Can Drinking Water Lower Eye Pressure?
Eye pressure or intraocular pressure (IOP) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is most commonly associated with Glaucoma, which is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is the second major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
Over 3 million Americans suffer from it.
The damage that Glaucoma causes to the eyes often relates to high eye pressure.
High IOP is caused by fluid buildup in the eye, which puts pressure on the optic nerve.
While other treatments for high eye pressure are available, some people wonder if drinking water can lower eye pressure.
Read along to know what researchers have to say drinking water lower eye pressure.
How dehydration causes eye pressure
First, understand that the fluid in your eye (aqueous humor) differs from the water you drink.
The ciliary body produces aqueous humor in the eye.
Its function is to provide nutrition and maintain eye pressure.
It is constantly being drained through a structure called the trabecular meshwork.
When this drainage system becomes blocked or damaged, fluid can build up.
This can lead to increased eye pressure.
While drinking water may not directly affect the fluid in your eye, it can positively impact your overall health.
This can, in turn, help lower eye pressure.
Dehydration can cause several health issues, including headaches, fatigue, and dry eyes.
When dehydrated, your body usually produces less urine.
This can cause a buildup of toxins and waste products in your system.
This can put stress on your organs, including your eyes, and cause them to work harder than they need to.
Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out these toxins and waste products from your body.
This will not only reduce the workload on your organs but also keep them functioning well.
This can positively impact your eye health, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Lifestyle changes to lower eye pressure
You can also make other lifestyle changes to help lower eye pressure.
These include:
Eating a healthy diet
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can help improve your overall health.
It also reduces inflammation in the body.
Inflammation has been linked to a number of health issues, including Glaucoma.
Also read, Foods to Reduce Eye Pressure: Optimize Your Eye Health.
Exercise regularly
Exercise can help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body.
It can also help reduce stress, which potentially contributes to high eye pressure.
Manage stress
Several observations support the hypothesis that stress can cause health issues, including Glaucoma.
This, in turn, means elevated eye pressure.
Learning stress management techniques can help to reduce stress levels and improve eye health.
These include deep breathing, meditation, physical exercise, etc.
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep is a common cause of health issues, including eye strain and dry eyes.
Doctors suggest you sleep seven to eight hours each night to keep your eyes and body healthy.
If you have high eye pressure or are at risk for Glaucoma, it’s important to work with your eye doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Takeaway
Drinking water may not directly lower eye pressure.
But it can positively impact your overall health, improving your eye health.
Dehydration can cause a number of health issues and can put stress on your organs, including your eyes.
Drinking plenty of water can help to flush toxins and waste products out of your body.
This would help the organs function properly.
In addition to drinking water, making other lifestyle changes can also help to improve eye health and reduce the risk of Glaucoma.
If you have high eye pressure, consult your doctor to formulate a suitable treatment plan.
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