Correlation between serum vitamin A level and tear film Abnormalities in dry eye patients

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease is a common ocular surface disorder associated with tear film instability and ocular discomfort. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining ocular surface integrity and tear film function. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum vitamin A levels and tear film abnormalities among patients with dry eye disease. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology of Dr. Sirajul Islam Medical College and Bangladesh Medical University from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 80 clinically diagnosed dry eye patients were enrolled purposively. Serum vitamin A levels were measured, and tear film abnormalities were assessed by Schirmer test, Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), corneal staining, and conjunctival xerosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.6 ± 11.4 years, and females constituted 63.8% of cases. Mean serum vitamin A level was 24.8 ± 7.1 µg/dL. Vitamin A deficiency was observed in 33.7% patients, while 38.8% had borderline levels. Moderate dryness on Schirmer test was present in 45.0% patients and TBUT of 5-10 seconds in 47.5% cases. Patients with severe dryness had significantly lower serum vitamin A levels (18.9 ± 5.3 µg/dL) compared to mild/normal cases (32.1 ± 6.2 µg/dL) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Lower serum vitamin A levels were significantly associated with increased severity of tear film abnormalities in dry eye disease.