Can Dehydration Cause Blurry Vision? Here’s the Truth
Yes, dehydration can unequivocally cause blurry vision.
Although many people cannot imagine that dehydration can strictly affect their eye condition, it can easily be linked to such disorders as thirst, dry skin, or fatigue. Being a person that researched and written about health for several years, I can confirm that even dehydration is mild it will affect your visual clarity.
I will take you through what you must know about the relationship between dehydration and blurred vision, and ways to save your eyes by ensuring your proper hydration in this in-depth guide.
The Eye-Water Connection
Eyes contain 98 percent water. It is not only an interesting fact, but a self-evident reality. Each blink, each glance, and each moment that you spend absorbed by something is all because of… moisture. And your visual system is one of the first systems that gets hit when your body is dehydrated.
As dehydration occurs, your flow of tears will become lower, resulting in a feeling of dry, tired eyes and, most importantly, blurred eyes. When you pose the question, can dehydration affect your vision? Then, you will get a resounding yes.
How Much Water Do You Need?
You should have heard of the rule that you should have 8 glasses of water a day, but this is only the ideal. To keep eyes hydrated:
- Women: About 2.7 liters (11 cups)
- Men: About 3.7 liters (15 cups)
You should drink more if:
- You are sporting, or you reside in a hot climate
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are ill or taking up dehydrating drugs
One of them is that there is an easy way of tracking hydration levels, which is through urine. Hydrated = light yellow. Dark yellow or amber = you should pour more water.
Symptoms to Watch For
Common Visual Symptoms
If you’re dehydrated, you may notice:
- Blurred or foggy vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye twitching or spasms
- Double vision (in severe cases)
Physical Signs of Dehydration
These often accompany visual symptoms:
- Dry mouth and skin
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms together, it’s time to rehydrate.
When to See a Doctor
Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention
Dehydration has the effect of impeding vision, where blurred vision occurs rapidly and most times returns upon hydration. However, you need to consult a doctor in case:
- There is an acute loss of vision or a sudden loss of vision
- There are flashing lights or floating objects
- The rehydration does not make you see better
- You have diabetes or other chronic conditions
On some occasions, blurred vision that is seemingly caused by dehydration would be a symptom of a more sinister problem.
Read Also: Can Myopia Get Better with Age? The Truth Revealed!
How to Rehydrate and Protect Your Vision
Step 1: Increase Your Water Intake
This is the easiest and the strongest way. I recommend:
- 8 to 10 glasses of water a day
- Drinking more when you are exercising or being hot
- Drinking drinks that contain electrolytes in case you have lost fluids through sweat or an illness
Step 2: Use Artificial Tears
In case your eyes are dry and blurred, it may be relieved by using eye drops that lubricate your eyes until you can hydrate your body.
Step 3: Reduce Screen Time
Constant exposure to the screen may exacerbate your eyes getting dry.
- Every 20 minutes
- Look at something 20 feet away
- For at least 20 seconds
Step 4: Eat Water-Rich Foods
Along with the consumption of water, you can also consume water in food. Foods like:
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
They all assist in the hydration of your body and the protection of your eyes.
FAQs
1. Can dehydration blur vision in one eye?
Yes, the blurring of one eye may be a result of dehydration, but both eyes are normally affected.
2. How fast does dehydration affect vision?
It may occur over a couple of hours, particularly when one is hot or exercises.
3. Can drinking water fix blurry vision?
Yes. When the cause of the loss of vision is dehydration, then within 30-60 minutes, water will make the vision clear again.
4. Is blurry vision from dehydration permanent?
No, it is normally temporary and transient to hydration.
5. Can I still be dehydrated if I drink some water daily?
Yes. Failing to get enough based on your requirements can also make you experience dehydration.
Read Also: How Long Does Mastic Gum Last? The Answer May Surprise You!
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, can dehydration cause blurry vision?
Absolutely, yes. And mostly, it is an obvious indicator that you have to take in more liquids, especially in your eyes.
Overlooking the link between water and eye health is very easy until you realize it, and at that time, you can take control. By just drinking more water, applying eye drops, and avoiding habits that dehydrate the body, you will regain the ability to see clearly and avoid any discomfort in the future.
