Evaluation of the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the retinal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography
Mahmoud A. Ghonaim, Dina T. Abdallah, Mohamed M. Mohamed, Ahmed A. Abd ElghanyBackground
Vitamin D deficiency [serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) < 50 nmol/l or 20 ng/ml] is associated with unfavorable skeletal outcomes, including fractures and bone loss. The aim of this work was to establish a better understanding of the macular microvascular changes that could be associated with vitamin D deficiency to improve the quality of life.
Patients and methods
This observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 20 eyes of patients with vitamin D deficiency with serum level less than 20 ng/ml aged more than 20 years old, both sexes, and 20 healthy individuals. Patients were divided into two equal groups: group I was the study group; it included the patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D level <20 ng/ml), and group II included the controls who had normal vitamin D level (>30 ng/ml). Optical coherence tomography angiograph scan (Macula centered, 4.50×4.50 mm scan) size images were taken. The vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus and superficial and deep foveal avascular zone area were measured.
Results
Both superficial and deep foveal avascular zone area areas were significantly smaller in the study group (
Conclusions
No direct correlation could be inferred between the vitamin D level and macular microvascular changes. Other factors must be controlled as axial length and central macular thickness to establish accurate relationship between vitamin D and foveal parameters that were not controlled in the study.