Essential Vitamins And Supplements For Dry Eyes: Complete List

If you have dry eye syndrome, you are not alone. According to official data, more than 16 million Americans experience this condition. Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears produced do not work properly. Its symptoms are manageable if you take certain precautions like taking supplements or vitamins. This article presents you with a list of essential nutrients you can take to prevent dry eyes.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays a pivotal role in maintaining eye health. You need it to produce tears and lubricate your eyes and you get dry eyes if they do not function properly. Commonly found in fruits and vegetables like carrots, squash, apricots and watermelon, a deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to dry eye. A recently conducted study testified to this. In this study, participants with dry eyes took a daily oral vitamin A supplement for 3 days, each dose being 5,000 international units (IU). After 3 days, the participants reported an improvement in their tear quality.

According to the researchers, vitamin A improves the smoothness of the tear film, the thin layer of fluid on the eye, and supports tear formation. The results of the study suggest that a daily dose of 5,000 IU may improve dry eye symptoms. More research is necessary to determine the recommended dose and whether the benefits are long-term.

How Much Vitamin A Should You Take?

While it is pivotal to take Vitamin A, avoid taking more than 10,000 IU (3,000 micrograms mcg) to prevent toxicity. Since the nutrient is fat-soluble, it can build up in your body. Toxicity of Vitamin A can lead to varied symptoms including nausea, headaches, skin irritation, and joint pain, 20 foods high in vitamin A.

Vitamin D is another fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for eye health. Supplements of this nutrient may help by reducing inflammation on the eye's surface. A 2019 study found that vitamin D supplementation may improve the effects of lubricating eye drops. A 2018 study found that oral vitamin D supplements may improve tear quality and dry eye symptoms. There isn't a recommended vitamin D dose for treating dry eyes. To prevent toxicity, avoid exceeding 4,000 IU (100 mcg) of vitamin D as this nutrient can also be accommodated in the body.

While trying to improve eye health, it is important to incorporate Vitamin B12 into your diet. A deficiency of this vitamin is associated with dry eye disease and eye pain. Research conducted on 76 people in 2020 found that combining oral vitamin B12 supplements and artificial tears improved symptoms of dry eye syndrome. According to the researchers, vitamin B12 may repair the corneal nerve layer or the nerves on the eye’s outer surface. This may help reduce the burning associated with dry eye.

There isn’t a recommended vitamin B12 dosage for dry eye symptoms. How much you should take depends on your ability to absorb the vitamin. Doses of 2.4 mcg are generally considered safe for adults, but an upper limit for vitamin B12 doesn’t exist. Talk with a doctor before taking vitamin B12 for dry eye.

Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is responsible for providing structure to cell membranes and reducing inflammation in the body. A 2019 review suggested hat Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms like irritation and pain. Conflicting evidence exists, though. A 2018 study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements didn’t improve dry eye symptoms. More research is necessary.

You can also try these home remedies:

• Try artificial tears: Artificial tears lubricate your eyes. You can find artificial tears over the counter at drugstores. Your doctor may also prescribe artificial tears, such as cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra).
• Use a humidifier: Dry and warm air may worsen dry eye symptoms. A humidifier adds moisture.
• Avoid blowing air: The wind, fans, and air conditioning may dry your eyes further. Protective eyeglasses can shield your eyes.
• Avoid smoke: Try to stay away from smoke, including cigarette smoke.
• Take breaks when using digital screens: Avoid looking at electronic screens for a long time. Blink often to lubricate your eyes, or try the 20-20-20 rule.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking a lot of fluids may support tear production.
• Apply a warm compress: Placing a warm compress on your eyes might offer relief.
• Massage your eyelids: Gently massaging your eyelids might reduce symptoms and help lubricate your eyes.