Abstract

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CATARACT FORMATION AND VITAMIN D IN YOUNG ADULTS OF JAMMU

Gupta Surbhi*

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin D is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. It inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, besides reducing oxidative stress. Cataract is the most common cause of visual loss and blindness worldwide and as oxidative stress and inflammation are important factors in cataract formation, we investigated the relationship between cataract formation and vitamin D in young adults of Jammu region. Methods: An observational Case-Control study was performed on 100 individuals comprising of 50 patients diagnosed with cortical, nuclear, or subcapsular cataract and 50 healthy controls, attending the OPD of Department of Ophthalmology, Govt. Medical College, Jammu; between July’2018 to December’2018. Results: The mean age of cataract patients: 49.5 ± 9.5 years, and control group: 46.5 ± 8.5 years. The mean vitamin D level in cataract patients: 14.98 ± 8.63 ng/mL and 21.06 ± 9.35 ng/mL in healthy subjects. The mean vitamin D level was 11.33 ± 5.87 ng/mL in female cataract patients and 18.55 ± 7.19 ng/mL in male cataract patients, while in control group was:17.23 ± 6.46 ng/mL. (p<0.001) The mean visual acuity was 0.74 ± 0.36 (range 1.4– 0.3). Vitamin D deficiency was more evident in female patients than males, which can be attributed to the fact that men are exposed to more sunlight as a result of their outdoor activities. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was found to be associated with early age-related cataract in a statistically significant manner.

Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency, Cortical Cataract, Nuclear Cataract, Subcapsular Cataract, Visual Acuity.