Hello! Does anyone else find that their eyes are drier than normal on Atkins and/or that they experience more eyestrain? I wear soft contacts, and just this past week noticed both of the above symptoms. (I just finished Induction on Sunday.)

Thanks for your comments!

LeeAnn03~

Assuming you're drinking enough water and aren't becoming dehydrated, I can't imagine that low-carbing is causing your dry eyes. Are you taking antihistamines? Have you recently changed contact solutions? Either of those things could cause dry eyes.

But perhaps the most likely cause is the advent of the indoor heating season. Once those furnaces start kicking on regularly, lots of people have trouble with dry eyes and skin. When your eyes are uncomfortable from being too dry, it can cause eye strain. Of course if you're having actual vision problems, you should see you doc.

'Tis the season for artificial tears and lots of lotion. And do make sure you're drinking lots of water every day.

Best wishes,

Sky
Atkins since 8/02
186/144/under 150

Actually I have noticed something interesting about my eyes. I don't have nearly as much mucous build up. If I do have something a little carby, I notice a lot of gunk in my eyes that I have to blink out of the way. Not to be gross or anything, but I have also noticed I have HALF the amount of earwax than I used to. Just another benefit of this WOL!!!

Perhaps it IS because the air is drier now with winter setting in. I don't wear contacts, so I can't attest to anything changing in that way.



Barb
Atkins-3/14/03
174/146/135
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

Hey, Barb.

I know you don't USUALLY wear contacts, but maybe you made a little exception for a pair of those spooky-a** contacts for you Halloween party? ...ABOUT WHICH WE'VE HEARD NOTHING, YET.... (hint, hint, hint, and do you have any pic's yet?)

LOL!

Not totally trying to hijack the thread. My dry-eye situation is actually better since I started this WOE. However, at this time of year (as was pointed out) I have to pump up the old humidifier to counteract the dryness of artificial heating. I find that I need both internal AND external hydration for my eyes to feel just fine. (Maybe when I retire, I'll just move to Key Largo and drink lots of water. LOL!)

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160)/Maintaining nicely (110) ~~ Redhead until further notice!

LOL, Maggie!!! Ya know, if I COULD wear contacts (tried both hard and soft many moons ago) you better believe I would wear those scarey-a** ones. And they would go really well with my rotting Pirate of the Carribean costume I wore. I just can't get used to putting anything in my eyes.

Instead of Hijacking this thread, I'll post about it in "Everything Else"



Barb
Atkins-3/14/03
174/146/135
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

Strangely enough, LeeAnn, I've noticed the same thing! I started a week ago Monday, and have noticed eye strain since then. I live in Florida, where it is now 82 at 8:30, so indoor heating is not a factor...I had Lasik surgery 4 years ago, so contacts aren't the problem either. I seem to be a little more farsighted for some reason...so you're not alone! If it keeps up I'll call the eye doctor, but NOTHING will make me give up this WOE...love it!

227.5/217.5 helloooooo 150!
Gertie

Good to know it's not just me. :-) No indoor heating here, yet (they haven't turned it on at work, and my home furnace has yet to kick on). I'll give the eyedrops a try, though - I'm already drinking 80+ oz of water a day!

Thanks!