Redness in your eyes may appear for a number of reasons, including eye infections, allergies or dry eye. Depending on the cause, you may have additional symptoms such as itching or watering. In some instances, your doctor may recommend that you increase your intake of certain nutrients to help relieve your symptoms. Your doctor can help you determine if food or an oral vitamin supplement will provide the best option.
Vitamin B-2
A vitamin B-2 deficiency may result in new blood vessel growth on the front of the eye, and this may result in eye redness. Vitamin B-2, also known as riboflavin, aids in body growth and development, and this nutrient also plays an important role in producing red blood cells and providing you with energy. Your body does not make riboflavin, so you must have an adequate intake each day. The recommended intake is 1.1 mg to 1.3 mg for the average adult. Food sources include almonds, which provide 0.23 mg in a 1-ounce serving, and nonfat milk, which contains 0.34 mg in 1 cup. Other foods that contain riboflavin include eggs, salmon, chicken and spinach. Your doctor can help you determine the appropriate amount you need each day and whether you should use dietary intake or a daily vitamin supplement to remedy the problem.
Omega-3
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the surface of your eye does not have enough moisture to lubricate the outer tissues. This often results in redness and irritation. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation associated with dry eye, which helps to reduce redness. Omega-3 supplements include fish oil capsules and flaxseed oil capsules. Instead of a daily supplement your doctor may recommend dietary changes that will provide omega-3, such as increasing your intake of mackerel, salmon, pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseeds and walnuts.
Treatment
Your doctor will evaluate your eyes to determine the cause of redness, and she will base her treatment recommendations on the diagnosis. In most instances your doctor will not recommend a vitamin or other nutrient to resolve your red eye. She may have you begin using artificial tears, which is a non-medicated eye drop that will often soothe the surface of your eye. Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to alleviate the intensity of the redness and any associated discomfort.
Considerations
If you have red eyes that do not seem to improve, contact your doctor. He will examine your eyes to determine the cause for your condition. If he does not find that you have dry eye or another apparent condition that is causing your symptoms, he may ask you about your diet and any other symptoms. If your doctor suspects a vitamin B-2 deficiency he will order blood tests to determine if you have a deficiency.
