Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Case–control Study

Purpose: To assess serum Vitamin D levels in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) compared to healthy controls. RVO is the second most common retinal vascular disorder after diabetic retinopathy and is associated with significant visual morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between Vitamin D deficiency and vascular diseases, including RVO. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center from January 2024 to January 2025, involving 60 participants, 30 with RVO (13 with central RVO [CRVO] and 17 with branch RVO [BRVO]) and 30 matched healthy controls. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic and systemic evaluations. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using tandem mass spectrometry. A level <20 ng/mL was defined as Vitamin D deficiency. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v17.0. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more prevalent in RVO patients (93.3%) than in controls (13.3%) ( P < 0.001). Mean serum Vitamin D levels were markedly lower in the RVO group (13.61 ng/mL) compared to controls (27.69 ± 11.94 ng/mL) ( P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed mean Vitamin D levels of 16.18 ± 6.78 ng/mL in CRVO patients and 11.67 ± 9.71 ng/mL in BRVO patients; however, this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.1646). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between Vitamin D deficiency and RVO, suggesting a possible role of Vitamin D in the pathophysiology of the disease. Although further research is needed to determine causality, routine screening and correction of Vitamin D deficiency in at-risk populations may offer potential benefits in the prevention and management of RVO.