Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
10:46
Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography of Retinal Circulation
Published on: September 18, 2012
19.2K
Association Among Serum Vitamin D Levels, Visual Field Alterations, and Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters: A
Tudor-Corneliu Tarași1, Mihaela-Madalina Timofte-Zorila1,2, Filippo Lixi3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Low vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL) are linked to early retinal changes in healthy adults. This vitamin D deficiency impacts retinal structure and blood vessel density, affecting visual function.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Retinal Imaging
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly linked to systemic health, including retinal integrity.
- Limited evidence exists on early retinal alterations in healthy adults with low vitamin D.
- Vitamin D influences retinal health via inflammatory, neuroprotective, and vasculotropic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate subclinical retinal structural and microvascular changes in healthy adults with vitamin D insufficiency.
- To compare retinal parameters between healthy adults with serum 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL and ≥30 ng/mL.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 60 healthy adults (120 eyes) stratified by vitamin D status.
- Utilized optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).
- Assessed visual field sensitivity and contrast sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with reduced central macular thickness (CMT) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in specific sectors.
- Lower perfusion density was observed in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and superficial capillary plexus (SCP) of insufficient eyes.
- Retinal sensitivity decline was greater in vitamin D-insufficient individuals.
Conclusions:
- Serum vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL correlate with early, subclinical retinal structural and microvascular changes in healthy adults.
- Hypovitaminosis D may play a role in modifying retinal integrity.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
Keywords:
ganglion cell complex (GCC)neuroretinal integrityoptical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)retinal microvasculatureretinal perfusionvisual field sensitivityvitamin D deficiencyMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:20Correlations
35.8K
Correlation means that there is a relationship between two or more variables (such as ice cream consumption and crime), but this relationship does not necessarily imply cause and effect. When two variables are correlated, it simply means that as one variable changes, so does the other. We can measure correlation by calculating a statistic known as a correlation coefficient. A correlation coefficient is a number from -1 to +1 that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between...
35.8K
01:27Correlation and Causation
42.4K
Statistical tests can calculate whether there is a relationship, or correlation, between independent and dependent variables. An indirect relationship of the variables signifies a correlation, while a direct relationship shows causation. If it is determined that no connection exists between the variables, then the correlation is a coincidence.
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
42.4K
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
15.6K
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
15.6K
01:30Vitamins
2.4K
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
2.4K
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
834
Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
834
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
429
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
429