What vitamins are deficient in dry eye disease?

Dry eye syndrome—also known as conjunctival xerosis—is a condition characterized by drying of the conjunctiva primarily due to pathological changes within the conjunctival tissue itself. Its causes are multifactorial. So, which vitamins are deficient in dry eye disease? Let’s explore this further.

Which Vitamins Are Deficient in Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye syndrome is a clinical manifestation of vitamin A deficiency. It reflects systemic nutritional imbalance and represents one of the most common ocular signs of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency impairs epithelial cell function, leading to reduced skin elasticity and dryness, as well as diminished luster of the conjunctiva and cornea. This results in decreased or absent tear production, thereby triggering dry eye syndrome.

In addition to ocular dryness, patients with vitamin A deficiency may also experience dry, rough, and dull skin, or even night blindness. Therefore, increasing dietary intake of vitamin A–rich foods is recommended. Common sources include lard, fish liver oil, carrots, amaranth, spinach, pumpkin, red dates (jujubes), longan fruit, cherries, and apples.

If dry eye syndrome is confirmed to be caused by vitamin A deficiency, treatment should include vitamin A supplementation. Adjunctive therapies may include lubricating eye drops (e.g., artificial tears), vitamin A–containing gels, and other ocular lubricating gels—all of which can help manage dry eye resulting from vitamin A deficiency.

We hope the above information is helpful to you.