Association of vitamin D deficiency in post-COVID dry eye patients

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant human life loss and substantial economic damage worldwide. Numerous complications arise following COVID-19 infection, greatly affecting the quality of life. Recent findings indicate that dry eye is the most prevalent post-COVID complication, which is also associated with vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to assess the association of vitamin D deficiency in post-COVID dry eye patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Post-Covid OPD and the Department of Community Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2021 to October 2021. A total of 58 patients experiencing dry eye symptoms following COVID-19 infection were enrolled using purposive sampling. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and ophthalmic examination, including the Schirmer-I test. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Schirmer-I test showed that most patients had a tear production level of 4 mm in the right (46.6%) and left (53.4%) eyes. Tear production of 5 mm and 3 mm was observed in 32.8% and 20.7% (right) and 31% and 15.5% (left), respectively. Mean tear production was 4.14±0.71 mm (right) and 4.05±0.69 mm (left), with a non-significant p-value (0.358). Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were 10–15 ng/mL in 50%, 15 ng/mL in 10.34%, with a mean of 11.02±2.89 ng/mL (p