What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Potassium Deficiency and Dry Eyes
The surface of your eye has a thin coating of tear film that helps protect and nourish your eye. The tear film consists of three layers, and if one of these layers does not have the proper consistency or quality, this may cause dry eye. If your eye does not make enough tears, you may also have dry eyes. Certain health conditions, such as a potassium deficiency, may play a role in dry eye.
Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms include itching, burning or stinging on the surface of your eye. You may also have a foreign body sensation, as if you have an eyelash or other particle in your eye. Dry eye may cause periodic blurry vision, but you can often clear your vision with a series of rapid blinks. Some people also have watery eyes or a thick, stringy mucus in the eye.
- Dry eye symptoms include itching, burning or stinging on the surface of your eye.
- You may also have a foreign body sensation, as if you have an eyelash or other particle in your eye.
Potassium
Arrhythmia & Potassium Deficiency
Learn More
Potassium is an essential nutrient for the health of the cells throughout your body. If you do not have an adequate intake of potassium, you may have a deficiency. Symptoms include weakness, muscle cramps and gastric distress. Severe deficiencies could result in serious complications such as change in heart rhythms.
- Potassium is an essential nutrient for the health of the cells throughout your body.
- Severe deficiencies could result in serious complications such as change in heart rhythms.
Recommended Intake
The average adult requires at least 4700mg of potassium each day. Your doctor may determine that you need more or less potassium, depending on your medications or health conditions. Foods that contain potassium include:
- bananas
- which provide over 400mg of potassium,
- baked potatoes with skin
- which contain more than 900mg
- explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University 2
Other potassium-rich foods include
- prunes
- oranges
- tomatoes
- raisins
- spinach
- lima beans
Considerations
How Much Potassium Does a Female Need?
Learn More
If you suspect that you have a potassium deficiency, contact your doctor immediately to prevent serious health problems. Do not begin taking potassium supplements unless directed by your doctor. Changes in your vision or the comfort of your eyes require an examination by your eye doctor.
Related Articles
Arrhythmia & Potassium Deficiency
Learn More
How Much Potassium Does a Female Need?
Learn More
Butternut Squash Nutrition
Learn More
Foods With Potassium Bicarbonate
Learn More
Eating Too Much Potassium
Learn More
Does a Magnesium Deficiency Cause Eye Twitching?
Learn More
Does Potassium Aid in Weight Loss?
Learn More
Causes of a Cloudy Film on the Eye
Learn More
What Are the Causes of Brown Spots in the Eye?
Learn More
Can Low Potassium Cause Death?
Learn More
References
- American Optometric Association: Dry Eye
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Potassium
- Potassium. Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health
- Lambert H, Frassetto L, Moore JB, et al. The effect of supplementation with alkaline potassium salts on bone metabolism: a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26(4):1311-8. doi:+10.1007/s00198-014-3006-9
- Chatterjee R, Slentz C, Davenport CA, et al. Effects of potassium supplements on glucose metabolism in African Americans with prediabetes: a pilot trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;106(6):1431-1438. doi:10.3945/ajcn.117.161570
- Potassium. Fact Sheet for Consumers. Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health
- Health Claim Notification for Potassium Containing Foods. US Food and Drug Administration
- Aburto NJ, Hanson S, Gutierrez H, Hooper L, Elliott P, Cappuccio FP. Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ 2013;346:f1378.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. What Is Potassium?
- ConsumerLab.com. Potassium Supplements Review.
- Curhan GC, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ. A prospective study of dietary calcium and other nutrients and the risk of symptomatic kidney stones. N Engl J Med 1993;328:833-8.
- Curhan GC, Willett WC, Speizer FE, Spiegelman D, Stampfer MJ. Comparison of dietary calcium with supplemental calcium and other nutrients as factors affecting the risk for kidney stones in women. Ann Intern Med 1997;126:497-504.
- D’Elia L, Barba G, Cappuccio FP, Strazzullo P. Potassium intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease a meta-analysis of prospective studies. J Am Coll Cardiol 2011;57:1210-9.
- O’Neil C, Keast D, Fulgoni V, and Nicklas T. Food sources of energy and nutrients among adults in the US: NHANES 2003-2006. Nutrients. 2012;4:2097-120. DOI: 10.3390/nu4122097.
- Stone M, Martyn L, and Weaver C. Potassium intake, bioavailability, hypertension, and glucose control. Nutrients. 2016;8: E444. DOI: 10.3390/nu8070444.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Health Claim Notification for Potassium Containing Foods.
- Weaver CM. Potassium and health. Adv Nutr 2013;4:368S-77S.
- Yong Sun, et al. Dietary potassium regulates vascular calcification and arterial stiffness. JCI Insight. 2017;2(19):e94920.
Writer Bio
Kate Beck started writing for online publications in 2005. She worked as a certified ophthalmic technician for 10 years before returning to school to earn a Masters of Fine Arts degree in writing. Beck is currently putting the finishing touches on a novel.