Rapid fluid intake causing sore eyes

[steviep43]

Hi all

I've not been diagnosed with anything however I don't know where else to ask about this issue but as this group has some expertise in this area I thought I'd ask. Apologies in advance.

I can't take in much fluid without getting sore eyes. I used to drink around 4-4.5 litres (mainly water) per day due to excess thirst (with constant clear urination). However I have also suffered with extremely sore eyes for a couple of years, which the eye hospital diagnosed as meibomian gland dysfunction - they gave me drops which help the symptoms but didn't cure it. However I have found the cure myself - by drinking less and ignoring my thirst cravings. I can't have more than 2 litres a day without symptoms appearing, and I have to drink that slowly - more than around 300ml per hour can bring it on.

Has anyone heard of this issue or know what might cause it? I've had many many tests over the last 3 years (for chronic fatigue type symptoms, unexplained) including kidney function, diabetes, etc. and everything has come back fine. Obviously something isn't right but anyone any experience of this that could help please?

Drinking alcohol does not bring this on, which is odd cos I can drink a couple of pints in 2 hours and be fine - I assume because of its antidiuretic properties. Could it be vasopressin related?

I'm a little paranoid of my kidneys anyway as my Mum had to have one removed about 10 years ago as they found a benign lump in it so that's always in the back of my mind.

Many thanks

Steve

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Steve,

Why are you drinking so much water in the first place? 2 liters is a good amount daily. If you are chronically thirsty, I would direct my healthcare team into discovering the reason for that. If it helps your eyes from not hurting, well then stop drinking so much.

merckmanuals.com/home/hormo...

[steviep43 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hi Bassetmommer

There are 2 reasons. Firstly, I always feel thirsty, and not drinking is a struggle. Secondly, I find sticking to 2 litres quite difficult. By the time I've had a glass of juice in the morning, coffee, cup of tea before lunch, couple of glasses of water in the afternoon and 500ml at the gym, I'm at 2 litres already, and that's without any evening drink. Even drinking this amount has to be spread out through the day to ensure I drink slow enough to avoid more than about 300 ml per hour, or it affects my eyes.

Obviously I can stick to this but am concerned something else is at play as this isn't normal. Drs can't explain my thirst and have investigated.

Thanks

Steve

[Bassetmommer in reply to steviep43]

Hi Stevie,

You said you go to the gym. Do you sweat a lot and maybe that is contributing to your need for hydration? In that case, it is probably wise you consume and maybe look at something that has electrolytes in it. It sounds like you may be experiencing a symptom of hyponatremia but I would ask your doctor, since I am not.

menshealth.com/health/a1952...

healthline.com/health/hypon...

[steviep43 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I'm not but thanks for the suggestion. I take an electrolyte tablet daily during my workout, and tests show them all within normal ranges