Abstract
Background. Cataract is one of the main preventable causes of the decline of vision worldwide, which is associated with environmental and nutritional factors. The aim of this research was to compare the serum vitamin D level in patients with and without posterior subcapsular cataract.
Methods. In this case-control study, 47 patients with posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and 47 non-patients younger than 50 years were included through the available sampling method. The patients were examined by an ophthalmologist using a slit lamp device, and a blood sample was also taken from them to measure their serum vitamin D levels. The data were analyzed in SPSS 18 through Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Spearman correlation tests at the significance level of 0.05.
Results. The serum vitamin D level was insufficient in both the patient and control group in this study; the risk of developing cataract was 2.28 times greater in patients with vitamin D deficiency (lower than 20 ng/mL) compared to those who had insufficient vitamin D levels (20‒30 ng/mL). The mean vitamin D level was higher in women compared to men.
Conclusion. According to the results, vitamin D deficiency is a possible risk factor for developing PSC. Gender, history of cigarette smoking, and vitamin D deficiency are risk factors for developing PSC.
Practical Implications. The risk of developing cataracts is higher in people with vitamin D deficiency than in people whose vitamin D levels are insufficient.