Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin A (retinol acetate) is supported by scientific evidence for its role in maintaining normal vision and overall eye health, though its direct use for treating red or itching eyes is less clearly substantiated. Vitamin A is essential for the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that is necessary for low-light (night) vision. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to xerophthalmia, a condition characterized by dryness, redness, and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, and can progress to night blindness and, in severe cases, complete blindness.

In populations where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent, supplementation has been shown to improve symptoms related to dry, red, or irritated eyes caused by deficiency. However, for individuals with adequate vitamin A status, there is limited evidence that additional supplementation alleviates nonspecific eye redness or itching unrelated to deficiency or underlying disease. Most modern cases of red or itchy eyes are caused by allergies, infections, or environmental irritants, for which vitamin A does not have a direct therapeutic effect.

Therefore, the scientific justification for vitamin A use is strong in the context of deficiency-related eye symptoms (e.g., xerophthalmia), but not for general red or itchy eyes in otherwise healthy individuals. Overuse of vitamin A can be toxic, so supplementation should be considered primarily in cases of known deficiency or malnutrition.

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