One Reason Your Eyes Itch During Hay Fever Season

One of the early signs of vitamin A deficiency is dry and itchy eyes. Dry eye syndrome and allergies can also cause similar symptoms. Eye drops containing vitamin A are commonly recommended. Taking vitamin A orally can do more than give relief to your eyes. Studies have shown that it protects the membranes from allergens and offers general relief for many allergy sufferers.

There is no need to take vitamin A long term. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and can accumulate in the body. Excessive intake can be toxic, causing symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, liver problems, and other health concerns.

I first heard about this from Dr. George Goodheart. His recommendation was for 10,000 IU of vitamin A for one week only. STOP after a week. Some practitioners have used as much as 25,000 IU with no ill effects–they still STOP after one week.

Selected References:

Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021 Dec 8;20(6):648-692. Studying the Effects of Vitamin A on the Severity of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Case Rep Ophthalmol. 2015 Dec 3;6(3):427–434 Vitamin A Deficiency Presenting with ‘Itchy Eyes’

Clin Ophthalmol. 2019 Apr 10;13:599–604 Effects of short-term oral vitamin A supplementation on the ocular tear film in patients with dry eye