Vitamin D promotes healthy bones, cells and body processes, and you can obtain vitamin D through foods or skin exposure to sunlight. If you have extremely low levels of vitamin D, do not eat the foods that provide the nutrient or wear sunscreen outdoors, you might need to take supplements. Some people might experience side effects, but in most cases these problems will not affect your eyes. Knowing the possible problems with supplementation will help you identify the cause of your symptoms.
Recommended Intake
On average, an adult requires between 600 and 800 IU of vitamin D each day. You can reach these levels through dietary intake, such as consuming 3 oz. of sockeye salmon, will provide nearly 450 IU of vitamin D. Other sources include a single cup serving of fortified milk, which provides more than 100 IU, and one egg with the yolk, which offers around 40 IU. You also can spend an average of 30 minutes in the sun twice a week to help you reach your necessary levels.
To know if you need vitamin D supplements, your doctor will test the serum levels of the nutrient in your blood. If you have low levels, your doctor will recommend an appropriate dose to help you reach an adequate level.
Side Effects
You will not likely experience eye side effects from taking vitamin D, but you might experience other systemic effects, such as stomach upset or skin rash. If you take too much vitamin D, you could have periods of nausea and vomiting, and you might experience headaches, fatigue and change in appetite. Excessive use of vitamin D could lead to increased levels of calcium in your body, but this complication does not have any known affect on your eyes.
Eye Symptoms
If you experience changes to your vision or the comfort of your eyes, your symptoms will not likely relate to your use of vitamin D supplements. Anytime you have vision changes, particularly if those changes occur suddenly, seek medical attention immediately. It might indicate a serious eye condition, and prompt attention might help prevent permanent vision changes. Symptoms of dry eye or minor eye infection such as redness and itchy eyes might clear within a day or so, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Considerations
Before you start taking vitamin D supplements, talk to your doctor about your current vitamin D levels and the risks of supplementation. She can help you determine if you need supplements and whether there are any possible interactions with medications you take or health conditions you have.
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