Importance of regulation of daily water intake to prevent diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma. Polydipsia is one of the cardinal symptoms of diabetes mellitus (Prameha) so that the intake of water will be comparatively more when compared with normal person. The chronic exposure to the over hydration in diabetic patients may gradually results in constant decreased osmolality of the ECF. The condition may lead to alter the permeability of cells and increase the inflow of water in to the cells cause oedema. The oedematous changes are more evident in brain tissues. As eye is the forward extension of prosencephalon this is remarkably expressed as retinal edema and subsequent vision impairment. In Yogaratnakara, the regular intake of more liquid food (dravaannapanathi nishevana) is considered as an etiology of eye diseases. Ashtangahrudaya advised minimum water intake as a life style modification to be adopted in prameha and eye diseases. As diabetes mellitus is a life style related disorders some life style modification in the form of diet, diet style, habit is necessary to prevent the advanced complications of the disease. As per classical reference the intake of water more than the required quantity in diabetic patients will cause the special pathological condition called abhishyandha (microvascular changes) in the eyes. This article emphasizes on the importance of water intake regulation in patients with diabetic eye disease to prevent the advancement of pathology in eyes and to preserve the vision.