Hydrated Eyes Are Happy Eyes: The Benefits Of Water
Drinking water and being properly hydrated has an effect on more than just the skin, it also affects the eyes. Dehydration is when more liquid leaves the body than enters it. This could be due to not drinking enough water or when a large amount of water has been lost.
The body’s initial response to dehydration is to conserve water. Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, light-headedness as well as a lack of tear production. When the eyes are not properly lubricated, this can lead to dry eye disease, eye strain and vision problems.
Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi expresses the importance of staying hydrated and how integral it is for the whole body including the eyes!
Dry eye disease occurs when there are not enough tears to nourish and lubricate the eyes. Tears are also needed for clear vision. Tears help to cleanse the eyes and wash away any impurities that could cause infection. Symptoms of dry eyes include blurry vision, irritation and the feeling of having something stuck in the eyes. Having dry eyes is a symptom of being dehydrated. One of the best treatments for dry eyes is to drink enough water as well as use eye drops to rehydrate and lubricate the eyes. Eye drops can also wash away any impurities from the eyes.
If eyes are constantly dehydrated it can also increase the risk of developing cataracts. As cataracts increase in size, they affect vision and could eventually lead to blindness.
Dehydrated eyes can also lead to eye strain. The symptoms of eye strain include tired and blurry eyes, headaches and double vision. Eye strain can also be caused by concentration on a screen or digital device for an extended period. “If eye strain is caused by dehydration, drink plenty of water and try to rest your eyes more to avoid straining them,” suggests Jacqueline. The best way to know if dehydrated or dry eyes is the problem is to see an optometrist regularly to ensure that correct eye care is being practised.
“The best way to avoid dehydrated eyes is to adjust your lifestyle choices and opt for healthier habits. By seeing a Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrist you will be able to get the advice you need from professionals,” says Jacqueline. Some healthy lifestyle changes that can be made include switching to a low sodium diet because a diet high in sodium can dehydrate the body. Reduce the amount of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, drink at least eight glasses of water ever day and try and reduce the amount of time spent in front of a screen (laptops, cellphones and tablets).
The most important thing to do if symptoms of eye strain or dry eyes appear is to book an appointment with a Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrist so that an assessment can be done and a unique wellness treatment can be developed.
Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047. Alternatively, book an appointment online.
