Summer's here, bringing sunshine, clear skies, and...dehydration? While we often associate dehydration with thirst and fatigue, Dr Nandita eye specialist in Chembur says that it can also wreak havoc on your eyes. Our eyes, composed of roughly 80% water, rely on proper hydration to function optimally. So, when summer heat increases and fluid intake dips, your vision can suffer.
Understanding the Link:
Dehydration disrupts the delicate balance of fluids and electrolytes within the body, impacting various systems, including your eyes. Here's how:
- Dry Eyes: Tears are essential for lubricating the eyes, washing away irritants, and maintaining a healthy ocular surface. When dehydrated, your body produces fewer tears, leading to dry, itchy, and burning eyes. This discomfort can make focusing and keeping your eyes open a challenge.
- Blurred Vision: Dehydration can alter the shape of your cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye. This change in shape affects how light rays enter your eye, leading to temporary blurred vision.
- Increased Light Sensitivity: Proper hydration helps maintain the transparency of your cornea. Dehydration, however, can make the cornea less pliable, causing light scattering and increased sensitivity to bright sunlight or artificial lights.
- Eye Fatigue: Dryness and blurred vision caused by dehydration can strain your eyes, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. This can be particularly bothersome when driving, reading, or working on screens for extended periods.
Summer's Dehydrating Duo:
Summer presents a double whammy for hydration. Here's why:
- Hot Weather: Increased sweating is a natural response to regulate body temperature in hot weather. While sweating is essential, it depletes fluids that need to be replenished.
- Outdoor Activities: Summer often involves spending more time outdoors, engaging in activities like swimming, hiking, or playing sports. These activities further increase fluid loss through sweat, making dehydration a greater risk.
Keeping Your Eyes Hydrated this Summer:
The good news is that the effects of dehydration on your eyes are reversible. Here are some tips shared by Dr Nandita Rane- a leading eye specialist in Chembur, to stay hydrated and maintain healthy vision throughout the summer:
- Drink Plenty of Water: This seems obvious, but it's the most crucial step. Aim for eight glasses of water daily, and adjust based on your activity level and climate.
- Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, celery, and berries into your diet. These add essential fluids and vitamins that benefit your eyes.
- Limit Diuretics: Beverages like coffee, alcohol, and some sugary drinks can act as diuretics, increasing urination and contributing to dehydration. Moderate your intake of these drinks and prioritize water.
- Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration. Pay attention to subtle cues like dry mouth, fatigue, or decreased urination. These can signal the need to increase your fluid intake.
Beyond Hydration:
While hydration is key, some additional practices can further protect your eyes in summer:
- Reduce Screen Time: Excessive screen time can exacerbate eye strain, especially when combined with dehydration. Take regular breaks from screens and allow your eyes to rest.
- Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can contribute to dry eyes and other vision problems. Choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms caused by dehydration.
Prioritise Your Vision this Summer:
By staying hydrated and incorporating these tips shared by the best eye specialist in Chembur into your summer routine, you can ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable throughout the season. Remember, clear vision is essential for enjoying all that summer has to offer. So, keep that water bottle handy, embrace healthy summer habits, and safeguard your precious sight!
