The care of our eyes also depends on hydration and therefore on the supply of water and liquids that we provide to our body. Professor Paolo Vinciguerra, Head of Humanitas Ophthalmology Center, spoke about this topic in an interview.
“The eye is made up of tissues, such as cornea and vitreous, which are made of water for more than 90%. If we have a reduction in the liquid content in our body, that concentration may vary.
The risk is greater, especially in the summer months: “In summer, for example, there is a greater incidence of cases of detachment of the retina. Strong dehydration can cause a contraction of the vitreous, the gelatin contained in the front of the retina and behind the lens. Being by its nature adherent to the retina, the contracting vitreous can tear it and generate ruptures. Moreover, when it gets hot, when you sweat a lot, we require liquids more easily.
Insufficient hydration leads our body to save liquids, so we feel dry in our mouths, produce less urine and have little saliva. It also reduces tear production and the increased friction that is created when the eyelids slide over the eye causes irritation,” explains Prof. Vinciguerra.
What to drink?
“Avoid beverages and sweetened drinks, which absorb liquids to dilute sugars. It is better to prefer oligomineral waters to minerals: the former help us to integrate liquid requirements more quickly. It is not convenient to drink a bottle at once, but to opt for constant consumption, a glass of water several times a day.
Furthermore, pay attention to what you eat, because “in general, the consumption of fats, salt, spices and processed dishes, requires more water for digestion,” recalls Prof. Vinciguerra.
