Can dehydration worsen eye strain symptoms?

Dehydration worsens the symptoms of eye strain directly by affecting the quality of your tears. The eyes depend on hydration in the right amounts for maintaining the tear film. Insufficient water intake results in quicker evaporation of tears. These tears are then less stable, causing gritty feelings in the eyes and blurred vision. I see this all the time in patients who forget to hydrate during the long game-playing screen session.

Keep a minimum of eight glasses of water each day. Ensure adequate intake in air-conditioned or heated environments. I have a marked water bottle that I carry with me during clinic hours. Supplement with electrolyte-balanced fluids every 2-3 hours in front of a screen. A sodium-potassium ratio assists cell hydration far better than pure water.

Be aware of the early signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine or excessive thirst. They tell you that your tear film is already suffering. I teach patients to check the color of their urine hourly. Dehydration should be treated before it escalates to eye strain. Prevention allows for consistent visual comfort throughout the day.

Combine hydration with blinking exercises. Drink water, then perform 10 full blinks. This distributes fluid across the eyes effectively. I do this every hour. The hydration, combined with the mechanical action, works in concert. You protect your eyes while doing demanding, visually intensive tasks.

Read the full article: Prevent Eye Strain: Essential Relief Strategies