Study of correlation between vitamin D3 levels and dry eye

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Dry eye disease is a widespread condition affecting tear film stability, leading to significant patient discomfort and reduced quality of life.
• It can result from diminished tear production or increased tear evaporation, potentially causing sight-threatening complications if untreated.
• Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a factor in various systemic and ocular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum vitamin D3 deficiency and the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease.
• To explore vitamin D3 levels as a potential contributing factor to dry eye.
• To assess the correlation of vitamin D3 levels with established dry eye diagnostic measures.

Main Methods:

• A two-year observational study involving 40 dry eye patients and 20 healthy controls at a tertiary care hospital.
• Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.
• Ocular surface assessments included slit lamp examination, Schirmer's test, and tear film break-up time (TBUT), alongside serum vitamin D3 level testing.

Main Results:

• Serum vitamin D3 deficiency was more prevalent in individuals with dry eye compared to controls.
• Vitamin D3 levels showed a negative correlation with OSDI scores and positive correlations with Schirmer's test and TBUT scores.
• No significant association was found between vitamin D3 deficiency and the increasing severity of dry eye, nor was there a gender or age predilection.

Conclusions:

• Serum vitamin D3 deficiency is more prevalent in dry eye patients, suggesting a potential link.
• While vitamin D3 levels correlate with dry eye symptoms and objective measures, its role in disease progression requires further investigation.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering vitamin D status in dry eye management.