Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin A, particularly in the form of retinyl palmitate, has some scientific justification for use in the management and support of conjunctivitis, though its primary and best-established ophthalmologic use is in the prevention and treatment of xerophthalmia and keratomalacia due to vitamin A deficiency. The rationale for use in conjunctivitis stems from vitamin A’s established role in maintaining mucosal surface integrity and promoting epithelial repair. Some clinical studies, particularly from regions with prevalent vitamin A deficiency, suggest that vitamin A supplementation can help reduce the severity and duration of ocular surface diseases, including non-specific conjunctivitis, by supporting immune function and mucosal healing. For example, topical vitamin A ointment has been shown in some trials to accelerate the healing of conjunctival and corneal epithelial defects, particularly in those with underlying deficiency. However, in populations where vitamin A deficiency is rare, evidence for its use in treating infectious or allergic conjunctivitis is limited, and it is not a standard therapy. Most cases of conjunctivitis are managed with supportive care or targeted pharmacologic agents (e.g., antibiotics, antihistamines). Thus, while there is some scientific basis for vitamin A’s supportive role in conjunctivitis, particularly in deficiency states, the overall quality and quantity of evidence for its direct use in treating conjunctivitis is modest, leading to a rating of 2 out of 5 for evidence strength.

More about Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
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