Folic acid, a nutrient also commonly referred to as vitamin B-9 or folate, helps your body produce cells as well as maintain the health of those cells. If you have low levels of folic acid in your system, your doctor may recommend that you increase your intake by eating foods or taking a daily supplement to ensure you have the right intake. Supplementation may cause side effects, but folic acid does not have a known connection to eye conditions such as dry eye.
Dry Eye
The surface of your eyes needs a healthy layer of tear film which nourishes the tissues and keeps the surface lubricated. The tear film consists of an oil layer, water layer and mucous layer, and if you have too much or not enough of one or more of these layers, you could experience dry eye symptoms. Dry eye symptoms may also occur if your eyes do not produce enough tears. Folic acid does not have a role in either cause of dry eye. Symptoms of dry eye include a gritty or sandy feeling on the surface of your eye. You may also experience excessive tearing, itching or episodes of blurred vision that improves with blinking.
Risk Factors
Although folic acid does not contribute to dry eye, certain factors may put you in a higher risk category for having problems. Dry eye occurs most frequently in older adults, particularly women. Medications may have side effects that include dry eye, and certain procedures such as cataract or laser surgery may also increase your risk for dry eye.
Side Effects
If your doctor recommends that you take folic acid supplements you could experience side effects related to the product. This may include a skin rash or swelling of facial tissues, including your eyelids. You may experience an upset stomach, diarrhea or fatigue. In situations where a person has a severe allergic reaction to a component of the supplement, you may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath or other breathing problems. These symptoms require emergency attention.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor if you suffer from symptoms of dry eye. Over-the-counter artificial tears often help resolve symptoms of the condition, but in severe cases you may need a prescription medication or in-office surgery to help your condition. Your doctor will help you determine the treatment most appropriate for your condition. If you experience side effects from taking folic acid supplements, inform your doctor. You may need to stop using oral folic acid and rely on dietary sources such as liver, asparagus, rice and spinach.
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