Dehydration, a state where the body lacks sufficient fluids, can lead to discomfort and pain in the eyes. The human body is mostly water, and reduced fluid levels affect various bodily functions, including those essential for eye health. This fluid imbalance can cause eye irritation and pain.
How Dehydration Affects Your Eyes
The eyes rely on a consistent fluid supply for health and function. The tear film lubricates the ocular surface, provides nutrients, and protects against foreign particles and infections. When dehydrated, the production of the watery tear layer diminishes. This reduction in tear volume leads to dry eyes, characterized by irritation, a gritty sensation, burning, and sometimes redness.
Insufficient tear production means the eyes are not adequately lubricated, leading to increased surface friction. This can cause a gritty feeling, stinging, or burning sensation. Dehydration can also affect fluid balance within the eye, including the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance that fills a large portion of the eyeball. While the vitreous humor provides structural support and maintains the eye’s shape, changes in its hydration can contribute to visual disturbances like blurry vision or increased “floaters.”
The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, depends on consistent hydration to remain clear and effectively refract light. When tear film quality or quantity is compromised by dehydration, the ocular surface can become rough. This may interrupt incoming light, reduce visual clarity, and potentially lead to increased eye strain and headaches. Prolonged dry eye, if unaddressed, can also increase susceptibility to eye infections and contribute to corneal damage.
Other Indicators of Dehydration
Eye pain from dehydration often accompanies other systemic symptoms, which can help identify a general lack of body fluid. Common indicators include increased thirst, dry mouth and tongue, and changes in urination patterns. These changes may include infrequent urination, reduced urine volume, or darker urine.
Other signs of dehydration are fatigue, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, and lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. These symptoms stem from decreased blood volume and reduced oxygen delivery to the brain.
What to Do for Dehydration-Related Eye Pain
Addressing dehydration-related eye pain involves rehydrating the body. Drinking plenty of water is the most direct way to replenish lost fluids and support natural tear production. For severe cases or significant fluid loss, consuming electrolyte-rich fluids can help restore the body’s balance of essential minerals.
For immediate eye discomfort relief, over-the-counter artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, can be beneficial. These drops mimic natural tears, providing moisture to the eye’s surface, soothing irritation, and reducing friction. Use preservative-free artificial tears if frequent application is needed or if your eyes are sensitive, as preservatives can sometimes cause further irritation.
Preventing dehydration is important to avoiding associated eye pain. Consistently drinking water throughout the day, rather than waiting until thirst develops, is a proactive measure. This is important during physical activity, in hot or dry environments, or when experiencing fluid loss, such such as from vomiting or diarrhea. Taking regular screen breaks can also help, as prolonged digital device focus often reduces blinking, contributing to eye dryness. If eye pain persists despite rehydration and home care, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like vision changes, extreme light sensitivity, or persistent redness, consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate underlying conditions requiring medical attention beyond simple dehydration.