A Case-Control Study on the Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in YoungAdults

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the correlation between serum 25‑hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods: This study adopts a case‑control study research method, included 40 MGD patients (MGD group, n=40) and 40 healthy controls (control group, n=40). Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using the electrochemiluminescence method. At the same time, the ocular surface parameters were scored comprehensively. Using Pearson correlation analysis, the correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and standard dry eye symptom evaluation (SPEED) questionnaire scores, anterior segment examination scores, corneal fluorescein staining (FL) scores, tear film breakup time (BUT) scores, Schirmer’s test (SIT) scores, and lower meibomian gland loss area scores was analyzed.
Results: Independent samples t‑tests showed significant differences in serum 25(OH)D levels, SPEED scores, SIT scores, BUT scores, FL scores, anterior segment scores, and lower meibomian gland loss area scores between the MGD and control groups (P<0.05 for all). In the MGD group, serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with SPEED scores (r=‑0.427, p=0.000), positively correlated with SIT scores (r=0.522, p=0.000), negatively correlated with BUT scores (r=‑0.537, p=0.000), negatively correlated with FL scores (r=‑0.488, p=0.034), negatively correlated with lower meibomian gland loss area scores (r=‑0.780, p=0.010), and negatively correlated with anterior segment scores (r=‑0.422, p=0.007).
Conclusion: The decrease of serum 25(OH)D level may be related to the occurrence of MGD. The serum level of 25(OH)D may be of some value in the diagnosis and treatment of MGD.