Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
For the health condition: Eyes (red or itching)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin A, particularly in the form of retinyl acetate, is scientifically validated as an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy vision and supporting the normal function of the eyes. Deficiency in vitamin A is a well-known cause of xerophthalmia (dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea), night blindness, and in severe cases, can lead to complete blindness. Numerous clinical and observational studies have demonstrated that vitamin A supplementation can prevent and treat these conditions in deficient individuals. The World Health Organization and other health agencies recommend vitamin A supplementation in populations at risk for deficiency, particularly in developing countries, to prevent blindness and other ocular complications.

However, when it comes specifically to red or itching eyes caused by common irritative or allergic conjunctivitis, there is less direct evidence that vitamin A supplementation is beneficial unless a deficiency exists. Most cases of red or itching eyes in developed countries are not due to vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, in people with adequate vitamin A status, supplementation is unlikely to relieve these symptoms. The robust evidence for vitamin A's role pertains primarily to deficiency-related eye disorders, rather than to general eye discomfort or irritation.

In summary, vitamin A (retinyl acetate) is scientifically validated for preventing and treating eye diseases caused by deficiency, but its use for generic symptoms like red or itching eyes is only justified in the context of deficiency.

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