How Staying Hydrated Benefits Eye Health

Hydration is one of the most important and simple ways to promote healthy vision. Staying hydrated has a direct impact on your vision, as dehydration can lead to reduced tear production, irritated eyes, and eye strain.

Another major symptom of dehydration is dry eye syndrome. Tear film consists of three layers, one of which is the aqueous layer. A lack of hydration leads to higher salt levels in your tears, irritating your eyes. At Better Vision New Jersey, we emphasize the importance of staying hydrated to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Eye Conditions Related to Dehydration

There are many vision-related symptoms of dehydration, including:

• Dry eyes
• Redness and itchiness
• Light sensitivity and blurred vision
• Grittiness, burning, or a sensation of sandiness in the eyes
• Irritation while wearing contact lenses

There are also multiple symptoms, unrelated to your vision, that occur when you’re dehydrated, such as fatigue, headaches, and dry mouth. These symptoms are uncomfortable, but can be reduced by drinking plenty of water.

Tips for Staying Hydrated and Eye Safety

Since approximately 60% of your body is made up of water, it is crucial that you stay hydrated, not only for your eyes but also for your body’s overall function. Here are some tips for staying hydrated.

Drink Plenty of Water and Eat Hydrating Foods

Of course, the best way to stay hydrated is to drink water regularly throughout the day. Another great way to keep yourself hydrated is by incorporating water-dense foods into your diet. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and oranges all have a high water content and make a great addition to your meal. Consuming more of these foods will increase your energy levels and keep you hydrated.

Be Mindful of External Factors 

There are multiple external factors that require you to drink extra water to stay properly hydrated. The weather, especially if temperatures are high, can cause dehydration in your eyes and body. When spending long periods outside, make sure to bring water with you. This is also crucial when exercising, both inside and outside. Illnesses such as colds and flus deplete your body of liquids and nutrients, and drinking more water will help your body recover. Maintaining your water intake while outside, exercising, or sick can help to prevent fatigue when your energy levels may begin to run low.

Avoid Drinks that Can Lead to Dehydration

Consuming alcohol or frequently drinking caffeine or sugary beverages directly contributes to dehydration. It’s best to avoid these drinks when sick or if it’s particularly hot outside, as dehydration can affect tear production, leading to dry eyes and causing tiredness and fatigue.

Wear Eye Protection

When spending time outside in either hot or cold weather, eye protection like sunglasses or goggles can protect your eyes from wind, rain, or excessive sun exposure. Shielding your eyes from these factors can prevent worsening dry eye symptoms and can protect your eyes from other issues, like photokeratitis, a sunburn on the eyes.

Other Tips

During both cold and hot months, you may begin to experience dry eyes. This could be caused by windy weather, dehydration, or dry air inside and outside. No matter the environmental cause, there are ways you can address dry eye symptoms at home. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, and artificial tears can help with dry eyes, irritation, redness, and discomfort. If symptoms don’t improve after home care and treatment, we offer quick in-office procedures to help reduce dry eye symptoms, including LipiFlow and OptiLIGHT.

Have Any Questions? Contact Better Vision New Jersey!

Keeping yourself hydrated will not only prevent your eyes from becoming dry or uncomfortable but will also help your whole body stay healthy and energized. If you have any additional questions about our dry eye treatments or to schedule your next appointment, contact Better Vision New Jersey at (908) 267-3030 today!