As a critical element of the body, water is needed for various organs to function properly. Dehydration occurs when the body does not get enough fluid and when this happens organs including the eyes suffer....
When more water leaves the body than enters the body, dehydration occurs. Fluid loss occurs in daily bodily functions such as sweating, urination and bowel movements. Vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes and alcohol can also increase the risk of dehydration. When more water leaves the body than enters the body, dehydration occurs.
The body's response to fluid loss is to preserve the amount of fluid still in the body by conserving it. This causes symptoms of dehydration including thirst and dry mouth, muscle cramps, headaches, lightheadedness, sleepiness and a lack of tear production. When the eyes stop producing tears, they are no longer properly lubricated. This can lead to dry eye, eyestrain and vision problems.
When there are not sufficient tears to nourish the eye dry eye occurs. Tears are necessary for providing clear vision because they wash away foreign matter in the eye and help reduce the risk of eye infections. If you are experiencing irritation, excess watering, blurred vision, or have the feeling of a foreign body in the eye, it may be the result of dry eyes from dehydration. Rehydrating by drinking plenty of water is one of the best treatments for dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops can also relieve symptoms by washing away foreign materials.
Eye strain such as tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches and double vision can also be caused by dehydration and result when the eye is not properly lubricated. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out salt in the body and properly hydrate your eyes to help reduce eyestrain.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to keep your body properly hydrated. It is important to take in fluids before, during and after exercise to replenish what the body loses through sweating. By keeping your body properly hydrated you are helping all of your organs to work properly, including your eyes!