Vitamin D Levels in Serum and Aqueous Humor of Cataract Patients With and Without Diabetes

Vitamin D plays an essential role in systemic and ocular health, with deficiency potentially contributing to cataractogenesis and diabetic eye disease. Although serum vitamin D levels have been extensively studied, limited data exist on its concentration in the aqueous humor. This study aimed to estimate and compare vitamin D levels in serum and aqueous humor of cataract patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) and to assess the influence of vitamin D supplementation.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2022 to July 2024 at Shyam Shah Medical College and Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa. A total of 400 senile cataract patients were enrolled, categorized into diabetic (n = 148) and nondiabetic (n = 252) groups. Patients with ocular comorbidities or prior ocular interventions were excluded. Detailed history and relevant investigations were recorded. During small incision cataract surgery (SICS), aqueous humor and serum samples were collected. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured using Electrochemiluminescence Competitive Immunoassay.

Age, sex, and vitamin D supplementation status were comparable between diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Serum and aqueous humor vitamin D levels did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.771 and P = 0.759 for nondiabetics; P = 0.514 and P = 0.848 for diabetics, respectively). Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with a significant increase in serum or aqueous levels in either group. Vitamin D concentration in aqueous is more in aqueous humor in diabetic patient than without diabetic patients.

No significant differences in serum or aqueous vitamin D levels were observed between diabetic and nondiabetic cataract patients. Vitamin D supplementation did not significantly affect these levels, suggesting a possible shared deficiency profile. Further research is warranted to explore the ocular implications of vitamin D status.