What Deficiency Causes Eye Dryness and How to Remedy It

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, millions of Americans experience dry eye, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. While many factors can contribute to this irritating issue, several key nutritional deficiencies can cause or worsen eye dryness.

Quick Summary

Several nutritional deficiencies can lead to eye dryness, including low levels of vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Addressing these deficiencies through diet or supplementation can help improve tear film stability, reduce inflammation, and alleviate common dry eye symptoms.

Key Points

Vitamin A: A deficiency can cause xerophthalmia, leading to dry eyes and night blindness, by impacting the health of the cornea and tear production.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These help reduce inflammation and are vital for the oily layer of the tear film, preventing rapid tear evaporation and evaporative dry eye.
Vitamin D: Associated with reduced inflammation and improved tear quality, a deficiency in this vitamin can worsen dry eye symptoms.
Vitamin B12: Low levels have been linked to severe dry eye and neuropathic eye pain, with supplementation potentially helping to repair corneal nerves.
Riboflavin (B2): Insufficient levels can cause eye sensitivity to light, itching, burning, and fatigue.
Diet and Supplements: Increasing intake of these nutrients through foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and dairy, or through targeted supplements, can effectively manage deficiency-related dry eye.

Eye dryness, a condition technically known as Dry Eye Disease (DED), can be caused by a variety of factors, from environmental conditions to screen time and medications. However, a less-known but significant contributor is an inadequate intake of specific vitamins and essential fatty acids. Understanding which deficiencies are at play is the first step toward effective management and relief.

Vitamin A Deficiency and Dry Eyes

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin critical for maintaining the health of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. A deficiency can lead to a condition called xerophthalmia, derived from the Greek words for 'dry eye'. When vitamin A levels are low, the eye's tear film can lose stability and the conjunctiva—the membrane covering the front of the eye—can become dry and thickened.

Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

Night Blindness: One of the earliest signs, as vitamin A is necessary for producing the pigments needed for low-light vision.
Dryness and Irritation: The inability to produce sufficient moisture leads to persistent dryness, burning, and irritation.
Bitot's Spots: These are characteristic white, foamy patches that can appear on the conjunctiva.
Corneal Ulcers: In severe, untreated cases, dryness can lead to ulcers on the cornea, which can cause blindness.

How to Increase Your Vitamin A Intake

Dietary Sources: Incorporate foods rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A) such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and beef liver.
Supplements: Vitamin A supplements can be effective, but caution is advised to prevent toxicity, as it is fat-soluble and can accumulate in the body.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Dry Eyes

While the link between Vitamin B12 and eye health is still being studied, research has shown an association between B12 deficiency and severe dry eye, particularly related to neuropathic ocular pain. B12 plays a role in nerve cell function and may help repair the corneal nerve layer, which can reduce the burning and pain sensations associated with dry eye.

What a B12 Deficiency Can Cause

Neuropathic Pain: A deficiency can contribute to eye pain that feels disproportionate to the visible signs of dryness.
Corneal Nerve Damage: B12 is essential for maintaining the health of nerves, including those on the surface of the eye.
Burning Sensation: The nerve damage can manifest as a persistent burning feeling.

How to Address B12 Levels

Dietary Sources: Good sources of B12 include fish, beef, dairy products, and eggs.
Supplements: Oral B12 supplements have been shown to improve dry eye symptoms when combined with artificial tears.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Dry Eyes

Mounting evidence suggests that a deficiency in vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin primarily obtained through sun exposure and certain foods, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation on the eye's surface, which is a key component of Dry Eye Disease.

Effects of Low Vitamin D Levels

Inflammation: A deficiency is linked to increased inflammation, which can disrupt the function of tear glands.
Poor Tear Quality: Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation can improve tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms.
Worsened Symptoms: Low levels are associated with worse subjective symptoms and less tear production.

How to Improve Your Vitamin D Status

Sunlight Exposure: The body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Dietary Sources: Include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods in your diet.
Supplements: Oral vitamin D supplements can be particularly beneficial for those with a confirmed deficiency.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency and Dry Eyes

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, are renowned for their anti-inflammatory effects and their role in maintaining healthy tear film. The tear film consists of three layers: a watery layer, a mucous layer, and an oily outer layer produced by the meibomian glands. A lack of omega-3s can impair the meibomian gland function, causing the tears to evaporate too quickly and leading to evaporative dry eye.

Issues Related to Omega-3 Shortage

Tear Instability: The lack of a stable oily layer causes tears to evaporate rapidly, leading to constant irritation.
Inflammation: A poor omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can contribute to systemic inflammation, including on the ocular surface.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: This is a common cause of evaporative dry eye, and omega-3s are vital for supporting these glands.

How to Boost Omega-3 Intake

Dietary Sources: Consume fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts.
Supplements: Fish oil or algae oil supplements are popular and effective ways to increase your omega-3 intake.

Comparison of Key Nutritional Deficiencies for Dry Eye


Deficiency	Primary Ocular Function Affected	Common Eye-Related Symptoms	Key Dietary Sources
Vitamin A	Maintains cornea health and produces visual pigments.	Dryness, night blindness, Bitot's spots.	Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, beef liver.
Vitamin B12	Supports corneal nerve health and function.	Neuropathic eye pain, burning sensation.	Fish, meat, dairy, eggs.
Vitamin D	Reduces inflammation and improves tear quality.	Irritation, discomfort, worsened dry eye symptoms.	Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods.
Omega-3s	Stabilizes the oily layer of the tear film.	Evaporative dryness, burning, irritation.	Salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, walnuts.
Riboflavin (B2)	Cellular energy metabolism and antioxidant protection.	Light sensitivity, watery eyes, itching, eye fatigue.	Dairy, eggs, leafy greens, almonds.

Conclusion

While dry eye syndrome can stem from numerous factors, addressing nutritional deficiencies is a crucial step in managing and alleviating symptoms. Vitamins A, B12, and D, along with omega-3 fatty acids, play distinct but vital roles in maintaining ocular health, from tear production and stability to nerve function and inflammation control. Increasing the intake of these nutrients through a balanced diet rich in whole foods is an effective strategy. In cases of confirmed deficiency, supplements can provide targeted support under the guidance of a healthcare provider. By focusing on a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, individuals can significantly improve their eye comfort and overall quality of life.

It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

While less directly linked than other nutrients, low iron (anemia) can lead to fatigue and general poor health, which could indirectly affect tear production and overall eye comfort. However, a specific deficiency in vitamins A, B12, or D, or omega-3s, is more directly correlated with dry eye syndrome.

Yes, fish oil is rich in EPA and DHA, key omega-3 fatty acids that are known to have anti-inflammatory effects and can improve the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily component of tears. This helps stabilize the tear film and reduces evaporative dry eye.

A medical professional can diagnose a vitamin deficiency through blood tests. If you have been experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms that don't respond well to conventional treatments, mentioning your diet and any related symptoms (like night blindness with vitamin A or nerve pain with vitamin B12) to your doctor is a good step.

Foods high in sugar and sodium can contribute to dry eyes by affecting oxygen and blood circulation and reducing the body's overall water levels. Processed foods high in omega-6 fatty acids can also disrupt the healthy balance with omega-3s, potentially worsening inflammation.

Yes, because vitamin A is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the body and become toxic at high doses, especially from supplements. It is important to consult a doctor before supplementing with vitamin A and to stay within recommended daily allowances.

Yes, but they may need to be more proactive. B12 is primarily found in animal products, so fortified foods or supplements are often necessary. Omega-3s can be obtained from plant sources like flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae oil supplements.

The time frame for improvement can vary depending on the deficiency and supplement. Some studies have shown improvements in tear film stability and symptoms within a few weeks to months of consistent supplementation with vitamins like B12 and D, as well as omega-3s. Consistent intake and addressing the root cause are key.