Vitamin D deficiency and posterior subcapsular cataract

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) is a common form of age-related vision impairment.
• The etiology of PSC is multifactorial, with various risk factors implicated.
• The role of vitamin D in ocular health, particularly cataractogenesis, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate risk factors associated with posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) development.
• To determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the etiology of PSC.

Main Methods:

• Serum vitamin D3 (25-OH D) levels were measured in 175 patients diagnosed with PSC.
• Associations between 25-OH D levels, risk factors, and comorbidities were assessed.
• A subset of patients with early-stage PSC received vitamin D supplementation.

Main Results:

• Mean 25-OH D levels in PSC patients were significantly lower than age/sex-matched standards.
• Low vitamin D levels correlated with female sex, autoimmune disease, and non-skin cancer.
• Five patients with early-stage PSC showed cataract resolution after 2 years of vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D levels in most PSC patients were below the recommended calcium homeostasis threshold.
• Comorbidities and certain non-ophthalmic interventions are linked to PSC development at lower vitamin D levels.
• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with PSC, suggesting supplementation may decrease its incidence.