Can dehydration cause dry eyes​?

Have your eyes ever felt sore, gritty, or tired after a long day?You might think it’s because of screen time or allergies, but sometimes, the real cause is much simpler: dehydration.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, many people ask, “Can not drinking enough water really cause dry eyes?”
The answer is yes, dehydration can affect your eyes just like it affects the rest of your body.

In this blog, we’ll look at how dehydration and dry eyes are linked, what signs to look out for, and how you can keep your eyes feeling healthy and comfortable.

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t have enough moisture to stay comfortable. Normally, a thin layer of tears covers your eyes every time you blink. This tear film keeps your eyes:

• Smooth and clear
• Protected from dust and germs
• Comfortable and healthy

When you don’t make enough tears, or when your tears dry out too quickly, your eyes can start to feel dry, sore, and irritated.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging
• Redness
• Gritty or sandy feeling
• Blurry vision that improves when you blink
• Watery eyes (yes, watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness!)

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes can happen for many reasons, such as:

• Ageing– tear production slows down as we get older.
• Screen time– we blink less when using phones or computers.
• Hormone changes– menopause can reduce tear quality.
• Medications– some tablets can dry out your eyes.
• Environment– wind, heating, or air conditioning can dry your eyes.
• Medical conditions– like blepharitis or autoimmune diseases.

And yes, dehydration is another common reason.

How does dehydration cause dry eyes?

Your tears are made mostly of water, along with oil and mucus.
If your body doesn’t have enough water, it can’t make healthy tears.

Here’s what happens when you’re dehydrated:

1. Your body saves water for important organs, like your heart and brain.
2. Less water goes to your eyes.
3. Your tear film becomes thinner and less stable.
4. Your eyes start to feel dry, gritty, or irritated.

When the tear film isn’t working properly, your eyes can’t stay moist or protected, leading to that familiar dry, sore feeling.

Signs that dehydration might be affecting your eyes

If you’re not sure whether dehydration is to blame, here are a few clues:

You might be dehydrated if you:

• Don’t drink much water during the day
• Feel thirsty often
• Have a dry mouth or lips
• Notice dark yellow urine
• Feel tired, dizzy, or lightheaded

You might have dehydration-related dry eyes if your eyes:

• Feel sore or scratchy by the end of the day
• Get worse after spending time in air conditioning
• Feel irritated after long periods without water
• Improve when you drink more fluids

If this sounds like you, drinking more water could help, but sometimes you’ll also need extra eye care.

How much water should you drink for healthy eyes?

Most adults need around 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
If you exercise, spend time in hot weather, or drink coffee or alcohol (which can dehydrate you), you may need a bit more.

Try these simple habits to stay hydrated:

• Keep a water bottle nearby and sip through the day.
• Eat foods with high water content, like cucumber, melon, or oranges.
• Limit sugary or caffeinated drinks.
• Add a slice of lemon or cucumber if plain water feels boring.

Staying hydrated helps your eyes, and your whole body, feel better.

Other ways to help dry eyes caused by dehydration

Drinking water is a great start, but sometimes your eyes need a bit more help to feel comfortable again.
Here are some tips and treatments that can make a difference:

1. Use lubricating eye drops

Artificial tears add moisture to your eyes and help replace the tears you’re missing.
Choose preservative-free drops if you use them more than four times a day.

2. Blink more often

When we stare at screens, we blink less. Try to blink fully and regularly, especially during work.

3. Rest your eyes

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

4. Use a humidifier

Adding moisture to the air helps keep your eyes from drying out, especially in heated or air-conditioned rooms.

5. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Fish like salmon and sardines, or plant sources like flaxseeds and walnuts, can help improve your tear quality.

6. Avoid smoke and strong wind

Both can dry out your eyes quickly. Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and sun.

When to see an eye specialist

If your eyes still feel sore or gritty even after drinking more water and using drops, it’s time to see an eye specialist.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we perform a dry eye assessment to find out exactly why your eyes feel dry.
We check:

• The quality of your tears
• The health of your eyelid glands
• The surface of your eyes
• Any signs of inflammation or damage

Once we know what’s causing the dryness, we create a personal treatment plan that works for you.

Treatments may include:

• IPL therapy to reduce inflammation
• BlephEx® to clean and refresh your eyelids
• Prescription eye drops or gels to help your eyes heal

Our goal is to make your eyes feel more comfortable, and keep them that way.

Final thoughts

Dehydration can absolutely cause or worsen dry eyes. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your eyes can’t make healthy tears, leaving them dry, sore, and irritated.

Drinking plenty of water and caring for your eyes every day can make a big difference. But if your symptoms don’t go away, it’s best to see an eye specialist for a proper assessment.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we’ll help you understand what’s causing your dry eyes and find the right treatment for lasting comfort.

Take our dry eye suitability self-test today and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable eyes.