Effect Of Vitamin D Supplementation in Diabetic Retinopathy

Aim: To study effect of Vitamin D supplementation in Diabetic Retinopathy. Materials and Methods: This is a Prospective, Interventional, Case control study conducted at a Tertiary eye care Hospital. 50 patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus of both sex between 35-65 age group who were having Diabetes Retinopathy changes of Mild, Moderate and Severe NPDR were selected for study. 29 were males and 21 were females. Patients above 65 years and below 35 years Type 1 Diabetes, Pregnant women, Alcoholics, smokers, Hypertensives, Patients with Dyslipedemia and Mal absorption and cIrrhotics were excluded from the study. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. All Patients were examined by an experienced Ophthalmologist using Snellen’s chart, Slit lamp, 90D biomicroscopy to examine fundus. Baseline investigations like FBS, PLBS, HbA1c , and estimation of Serum Vitamin D was done. Patients were divided into two groups A and B. Group A consists of 25 patients, 18 were males and 7 were females, who were having Serum levels of Vitamin D of > 20nmol/ml to < 30nmols/ ml. Group B consists of 25 patients, 14 were males and 11 females, who were having < 20 nmol/ml. of Serum Vitamin D. Diabetic medication was continued in both groups. Group B was given Vitamin D supplementation. Oral 50,000 IU every week for 8 weeks and maintenance dose of 1500 IU of Vitamin D orally for 12 months. FBS, PLBS, Hb A1C and Serum Vitamin D was examined in both groups at 0 day, 6 months and 12 months. Fundus examination was done in all cases of both groups at the end of 12 months. Results: At the end of 12 months Group A cases showed changes in Fundus picture of 8 cases. 5 had shown progression from Moderate to severe form of NPDR. 3 cases shown progression from Severe NPDR to PDR. Whereas in Group B who received Vitamin D supplementation there was no change in Fundus picture. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation prevent Progression of NPDR to Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.