Correlation of serum vitamin D level with the disease severity in vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients

Purpose: Study aims to correlate serum vitamin D level to disease severity in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Materials and Methods: 50 patients in the age group between 5-15 years attending the out patient department of Ophthalmology from December 2017 to March 2018 were enrolled in the study. After detailed evaluation, vernal keratoconjunctivitis diagnosed based on signs and symptoms. Severity of the disease documented. Patients were started on treatment for vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Serum vitamin D level was obtained for all the patients. Patients with low level vitamin D were noted and treated for the same. Data collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 50 patients, 36 were males and 14 were females. Mean age of presentation was 13 years. Serum vitamin D was less than 20ng/mL in 38 (76%) patients. In patients with mild to moderate disease it was between 10-20ng/mL and was significantly lower (<10ng> Conclusion: Children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis have low vitamin D level as a consequence of sun exposure avoidance due to intense photophobia and pruiritis. Evaluation of vitamin D level in vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients can help in early diagnosis and treatment.