Inverse Relationship between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Elevated Intraocular Pressure

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Elevated intraocular pressure (EIOP) is a primary modifiable risk factor for glaucoma.
• Low serum vitamin D levels are implicated as a potential glaucoma risk factor, but evidence linking vitamin D to EIOP is conflicting.
• Potential mechanisms include oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and EIOP.
• To analyze data from a large cohort of individuals visiting a health promotion center.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 15,338 individuals.
• Employed cubic spline curves to assess dose-dependent relationships.
• Performed multiple logistic regression analysis to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• An inverse dose-dependent association was observed between serum 25(OH)D and EIOP.
• Each increment in serum 25(OH)D was associated with a reduced OR for EIOP (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.990).
• Vitamin D insufficiency and sufficiency were linked to significantly lower EIOP compared to deficiency (OR=0.72 and 0.51, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Serum 25(OH)D levels show a significant inverse relationship with EIOP.
• Vitamin D deficiency may warrant clinical assessment of intraocular pressure.
• Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels could be a preventive strategy against glaucoma development.