How long will my eyes remain red after taking high doses of vitamin A (retinol) and iodine?

From the Guidelines

You should expect the redness in your eyes to resolve within a few days to two weeks after stopping the high doses of vitamin A and iodine, but it's crucial to monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen. The provided evidence from the espen-espghan-ecfs guidelines on nutrition care for infants, children, and adults with cystic fibrosis 1 highlights the potential toxicity of vitamin A and the importance of considering dietary intake when determining supplement dosing to avoid harmful vitamin A toxicity. Key points to consider include:

• Vitamin A deficiency can lead to symptoms such as xerophthalmia, which can progress to conjunctival dryness, and ultimately corneal ulceration and blindness 1.
• The risk of hypervitaminosis A is higher with water-miscible and water-soluble forms than with oil-based supplements 1.
• Acute vitamin A toxicity can cause symptoms including eye irritation, while chronic excess intake can lead to more serious complications.
• Iodine excess can also contribute to eye irritation.
• Drinking plenty of water may help flush excess nutrients from your system. It's essential to note that the guidelines recommend assessing vitamin A intake and blood levels before conception or early in pregnancy and suggest vitamin A supplementation that aims to achieve the normal range of serum retinol concentrations for healthy people 1. Given your symptoms, it's vital to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the persistence of your symptoms.

From the Research

Red Eye Duration and Treatment

The duration of red eye after taking high doses of vitamin A (retinol) and iodine is not directly addressed in the provided studies. However, the studies do offer some general guidance on the management and treatment of red eye.

• The cause of red eye can be diagnosed through a detailed patient history and careful eye examination, and treatment is based on the underlying etiology 2.
• In most cases, a red eye is due to occasional and mild ocular surface reaction as a consequence of exposure of the external eye to irritants and naturally occurring environmental agents 3.
• If no improvement is seen after ten days of treatment, referral to an ophthalmologist is indicated 4.

Warning Signs and Referral Criteria

Certain warning signs indicate the need for immediate ophthalmological consultation, including:

• Severe ocular pain
• Significant photophobia
• Decreased vision
• History of ocular trauma 5, 6
• Unilateral red eye associated with severe pain and vomiting (suspicious for acute glaucoma) 4

General Guidance

• Washing the eye with a tear lubricant may help in relief of symptoms 3.
• If this treatment fails within a few days, a consultation with an ophthalmologist is suggested 3.
• The role of the general physician is crucial in the decision making to judge the severity of the ocular condition 3.