Dry Eye Disease and Vitamins: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) is a major public health problem worldwide that seriously impairs the quality of life, reduces work productivity, and poses significant economic burden. In DED, tear film instability or hyperosmolarity activates a self-perpetuating vicious cycle that may aggravate ocular surface inflammation and damage. Thus, treatment approaches should focus on interrupting this cycle and ameliorating inflammation. In addition to anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and lifitegrast, nutrients with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties may also be effective for the treatment of DED. Evidence indicates that vitamin deficiencies may be associated with an increased risk of DED and that vitamin supplementation can be an effective treatment for DED. In the present review, we introduce the results of clinical and experimental studies on the association between vitamin deficiencies and DED. The potential efficacy of systemic and topical supplementation in the treatment of DED is also discussed.

Update on pharmacotherapy for dry eye

“…Vitamin B complexes help regulate the nervous system and may be associated with neuropathic ocular pain associated with DED. Vitamins C, D and E have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties [17].…”

Unveiling the Spectrum of Ophthalmic Manifestations in Nutritional Deficiencies: A Comprehensive Review

“…Vitamin C's role in maintaining eye health includes supporting the mucous membranes that produce tears. Thus, a deficiency in this essential nutrient can disrupt the normal tear film composition, leading to dry eyes and associated discomfort [ 29 ].…”

Nutraceuticals: A Promising Therapeutic Approach in Ophthalmology

“…Furthermore, Yamashita et al have also demonstrated a reduction in DED symptoms with the use of nutraceuticals. After the oral administration of MaquiBright ® , which was composed of delphinidins and anthocyanins obtained from maqui berry extract, an improvement in the Schirmer’s test, the lacrimal production and eye fatigue alleviation after one month of intake were demonstrated [ 220 , 221 ].…”

“…Interestingly, the use of colostrum components, especially topical 2-fucosyl-lactose (0.01, 0.1, and 1%), have been demonstrated to impact TBUT, Schirmer test and tear osmolarity, proving the potential role of nutraceuticals in tear film stability in rabbit models with induced DED [ 3 ]. Lastly, VisuEvo ® , an ophthalmic nutraceutical formulation containing vitamin A, omega-3 (EPA and DHA), and vitamin D3, has also been demonstrated to decrease the inflammation of the ocular surface, increase tear film stability and reestablish tear film composition, stating their role in DED pathophysiology [ 221 , 223 ].…”