Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium and other nutrients that aid in bone growth and strength. You need vitamin D for cell growth and a properly functioning immune system. If you do not have enough vitamin D, you have an increased risk for bone disorders, and you may also experience muscle weakness. Vision changes do not typically occur with this deficiency, but if you have blurry vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Blurry Vision
Gradual changes in vision could result from a natural shift in your eye prescription. Also, after age 40, you may need prescription glasses for reading. This condition results from an aging process called presbyopia. Eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma may also cause blurry vision that can gradually progress. Blurry vision that appears suddenly could result from a number of conditions, such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment or bleeding in your eye. Sudden changes require immediate medical attention to determine the cause and any necessary treatment. Prompt treatment could prevent permanent damage to your vision.
Deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin D will often affect bone development in young children and could lead to a bone disease called rickets. This disease causes soft bones and deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiencies may not have noticeable symptoms, but a deficiency may cause weak muscles and pain in your bones, explains the Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D deficiency in adults may lead to bone conditions such as weak bones, which is a disease known as osteomalacia.
Recommendations
The average adult should have a daily intake of approximately 600 international units of vitamin D. Sun exposure can provide vitamin D, but prolonged exposure may increase your risk for certain types of skin cancers. Your doctor may recommend that you eat vitamin D-rich foods such as salmon, which provides 794 IU per serving, or fortified milk, which may offer up to 124 IU. Other food sources include mackerel, tuna and egg yolks. If you have a risk for a deficiency, your doctor may recommend that you take an oral supplement to ensure that you receive an adequate intake each day.
Considerations
If you experience symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, contact your doctor. She will test your blood to determine if you have the proper amount of vitamin D. If you have a deficiency, your doctor will work with you to find the proper treatment and maintain adequate levels. Even though vision changes do not typically coincide with a vitamin D deficiency, discuss blurred vision with your doctor to ensure that you do not have an eye condition causing your vision problem.
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