Besides being annoying, dry eyes can negatively affect your vision. Comprehensive Eye Care of Washington, MO, wants you to know the importance of tear production for healthy eyes. Tears are your eyes' natural cleansers. They nourish your corneas and clear them of any contaminants like dirt and dust.

Here are some common causes of dry eyes:

• Medicine: Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and some blood pressure medications can cause dry eyes.
• Medical Conditions: Any eye injuries or infections that cause inflammation can affect tear production and lead to dry eyes. Diabetes and thyroid issues can also increase the chance of dry eyes.
• Environment: Exposure to wind, smoke, and arid air evaporates tears and contributes to dry eyes. 
• Vision Correction: Using contact lenses for long stretches of time dries out the cornea. Laser eye surgery sometimes alters the shape of the corneas and can affect how tears travel across the eyes.

Consult your eye doctor to see which of the following treatments you should use to heal your dry eyes:

• Lubricant: Applying eye ointment before bed keeps eyes from drying out overnight and can also treat inflammation.
• Eye Inserts: Prescribed eye inserts are placed in the lower eyelid upon waking and dissolve throughout the day to lubricate the eyes.
• Artificial Tears: Find a brand of artificial tears with no preservatives or additives, as they can cause more irritation. Keep the eyes lubricated by using artificial tears regularly, even when your eyes feel okay. 

If you have dry eyes or any other problems with your vision, visit Comprehensive Eye Care of Washington, MO. They handle everything from consultations to surgery. Visit them online to view their list of services, and call (636) 390-3999 to schedule an appointment.