Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to dry eye disease.
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Dry eye disease is linked not only to environmental factors but also to vitamin D deficiency. Research shows vitamin D deficiency increases risk of ocular surface inflammation, poor tear production, and eye discomfort. Adequate sun exposure, diet, and supplements can help prevent and manage dry eyes, improving both eye health and overall immunity
Are you having a burning, stinging or sandy sensation in your eyes? Is there mucus discharge from them? Are you sensitive to light? If you have these symptoms, there may be a possibility that you have dry eyes.
Dry eyes, is a common condition in which the tear secretion is reduced (aqueous-deficient dry eyes) or there is an increased tear evaporation (hyper-evaporative dry eyes) thus failing to provide lubricant to the eyes. This can make your eyes feel uncomfortable causing irritation and other conditions mentioned above.
In medical terms, dry eyes condition is also known as dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and keratitis sicca.
While environmental factors such as prolonged screen time, air conditioning, and pollution are main factors behind dry eye disease.
Recent research has underscored the role of nutritional deficiencies particularly vitamin D deficiency as a major risk factor.
Vitamin D, which is also called the 'sunshine vitamin,' is not just vital for bone and mineral metabolism but also for building up immunity and anti‑inflammatory processes. Your skin makes vitamin D after sun exposure and you can also get it through food or supplements.
Studies indicate that adults with low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop dry eyes, hence making this deficiency a changeable risk factor. This is good news if you are low on vitamin D and are having dry eye disease.
Vitamin D is found in very few natural foods and its deficiency is quite common mainly due to obesity, poor diet, indoor lifestyle, dark skin, aging, certain diseases and the climate in places with little sunlight.
-Vitamin D ensures your eyes receive adequate fluidity and moisture.
-It manages the chemicals that cause swelling of the eye and inflammation to fight inflammation.
-Strengthens immunity to remove immune issues responsible for dry eyes.
-Supports tear glands to make enough tears to keep eyes wet.
-It shields eyes from harmful particles that cause wear and tear.
Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Dry Eyes
A systematic review in 2025 found vitamin D deficiency associated with ocular surface disorders. A disease like dry eye can also occur because of this deficiency. 1
Procuring sufficient vitamin D may help to prevent and treat eye diseases.
The American Journal of Ophthalmology (2026) revealed similar findings and concluded that deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to ocular surface inflammation and tear production. Scientists at the University of Miami analyzed millions of US adults aged 18 and older records collected from 2005 till 2025 over 19 years.2
They matched over 6 million people with vitamin D deficiency to an equal number without it and found that 3.3% of people with low vitamin D got dry eye disease compared to 2.7% without it, low vitamin D raised the risk by 28.6%. Findings indicate a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dry eye disease.
-Vitamin D deficiency prevents proper healing of corneal epithelial tissue, which results in persistent eye discomfort.
- People having vitamin D deficiency show higher levels of cytokines, which enable inflammation in tear fluid and destabilizing the tear film.
- Antioxidant levels also go down during vitamin D deficiency resulting in weaker ocular protection and accelerating age related eye damage.
Other Health Implications
Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to other eye conditions, such as
Diabetes-related retinopathy
Uveitis
Cataracts
Thyroid eye disease
Vitamin D Supplementation
- Doctors might test vitamin D in dry eye patients and fix shortages to help treatments work better. But don't rely on supplements alone follow medical advice.
-Sunlight Exposure: Even 15–20 minutes of daily sun exposure helps natural vitamin D formation. Morning sunlight is most effective and safest.
Dietary Sources
Foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, UV-treated mushrooms, tuna/sardines, and even ghee help fill the gap.
Salmon
A small piece covers much of your daily vitamin D need. Wild salmon adds heart-friendly omega-3s too. Grill it with lemon and have it.
Sardines and Tuna (Canned)
No fresh fish hassle? Canned works great. Toss tuna in salad, sardines on toast, or mix in sandwiches. Cheap, fast, nutritious boost.
Egg Yolks
Don't ditch the yolk, that's the vitamin D gold. Not a ton per egg, but daily omelettes or bowls add up.
Mushrooms
Ultra violet exposed mushrooms make their own vitamin D. Grab vitamin D-enhanced packs. Sauté, pasta, or curry or just have a snack.
Ghee
Indian desi classic ghee or clarified butter will help too. Tiny amounts per spoon, but daily cooking builds it up.
Clinical Monitoring
- Chronic dry eyes in adults calls for vitamin D assessment.
- Testing your blood for 25‑hydroxyvitamin D will provide an accurate assessment of your vitamin D status.
- Taking too many vitamin D supplements can lead to high calcium levels and kidney problems.
- Not all dry eyes are because of vitamin d. These can also be caused because of environment and hormones.
- Personalized treatment plans are vital, combining lifestyle modifications with medical supervision.
Vitamin D is important for your eyes, but there are other nutrients at play too.
- Omega-3 fats enhance the quality of tears and reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin A is essential for healthy cornea and eyesight
- Vitamin C fosters the development of collagen in eye tissues.
Vitamin D deficiency may be an independent risk factor for dry eyes, though not the only one.
A major modifiable risk factor for dry eye disease is vitamin D deficiency. Earlier recommendation to update your vitamin D levels could be benefaction for your ocular health.
With strong evidence from larger-scale studies, the management of adequate vitamin D levels (sun exposure, diet and supplementation) may reduce chance of dry eyes.
Adults should check their vitamin D levels especially if they have chronic dry eyes. Managing deficiency not only relieves eye discomfort but also improve general health.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
1. IJRSI |Low Vit D linked to ocular surface disorders
2. American Journal of Ophthalmology | Vit D deficiency and increased risk of dry eye disease
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