A deficiency in vitamin D can cause dry eye symptoms. However, supplements may help by reducing inflammation on the eye's surface, according to a 2020 article . A 2019 study found that vitamin D supplementation improves the effects of lubricating eye drops, another dry eye treatment.
This meta-analysis suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse subjective symptoms and less tear production in patients with dry eye. Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for dry eye syndrome.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause dry eye symptoms. A study found that patients with dry eye disease had significantly lower vitamin D levels. In a study, Vitamin D supplements helped with immune function by reducing eye inflammation, promoting tear secretion, and improving tear quality.
The results suggest that a daily dose of 5,000 IU may improve dry eye symptoms. However, more research is required to ascertain the recommended dose and whether the benefits continue with long-term use.
A 2019 study found that vitamin D supplementation improves the effects of lubricating eye drops, another dry eye treatment. A 2018 study also determined that oral vitamin D supplements improved tear quality and dry eye symptoms.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D can have a direct impact on your eye health. This vitamin helps to improve the coating of the tears spreading across the eye's surface, and it may help reduce inflammation. A study found dry eyes may link to vitamin D deficiency, so improving your daily dose may be beneficial.
Common causes of decreased tear production include: Aging. Certain medical conditions including Sjogren's syndrome, allergic eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, graft vs. host disease, sarcoidosis, thyroid disorders or vitamin A deficiency.
Other causes of dry eye can include:
Illness (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Graves' disease, diabetes, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome). Hormonal changes in women after menopause and during pregnancy. Poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time.
Environment: Dry air, smoke, and wind can generate dry eyes or worsen current symptoms. Medications: Some medications, like antidepressants, list dry eye as a side effect. Eye diseases or injuries: Conditions like keratoconus cause dry eyes due to an irregularly shaped cornea.
Vitamin D deficiency — when the level of vitamin D in your body is too low — can cause your bones to become thin, brittle or misshapen. Vitamin D also appears to play a role in insulin production and immune function — and how this relates to chronic disease prevention and cancer — but this is still being investigated.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
How Much Vitamin D Do I Need Per Day? Besides going outdoors in the sunshine, there are two others ways to improve the amount of vitamin D in your system: eating foods rich in vitamin D and supplements. “Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months time.
Dry eyes can often be managed, but not completely cured. Some treatments can be used permanently to manage your symptoms. Prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, such as artificial tears, can help you manage this condition.
The early symptoms of chronic dry eye include eye redness; a burning, stinging and/or gritty sensation in the eye, especially in an environment with low humidity; a feeling that something is in the eye; trouble wearing contact lenses; a gritty feeling that is persistent and painful; eye dryness; and excessive tearing.
You may be able to manage your dry eyes with frequent eyelid washing and use of nonprescription eye drops or other products that help lubricate your eyes. If your condition is long term (chronic), use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated.
Autoimmune thyroid conditions can sometimes cause dry eye and other eye symptoms. It can occur when thyroid antibodies cause the immune system to attack tissues and muscles around the eyes. This is most commonly seen in people with Grave's disease, but people with Hashimoto's can experience dry eye as well.
As a symptom of dehydration, the best treatment for dry eye is rehydrating by drinking plenty of water. Eye drops can also help alleviate the symptoms by lubricating the eye and washing away foreign materials. Tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches and double vision are all symptoms of eye strain.
It has been found that vitamin A can help prevent dry eye and the vitamin is often included in prescription eye drops. It's also been found that vitamin B12 supplements, in addition to artificial tears, can help improve symptoms of dry eyes.
Oranges are one of the fruits rich in Vitamin D as its juice is fortified with calcium & vitamin D. This is one of the best sources of vitamin D for people who are lactose intolerant and cannot include milk & dairy products in their diet.
We recommend taking it with a source of quality fat in the morning or when you break your fast. Avoid taking vitamin D in the evening (we'll talk about why below). Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin—meaning it doesn't dissolve in water—your body can most easily absorb it when you take it with food.