Association Between Vitamin Deficiencies and Ophthalmological Conditions

Abstract

Vitamin deficiencies can have adverse effects on health, including on the visual system. The ocular manifestations of a vitamin deficiency are related to the underlying biochemical function of the particular nutrient. While vitamin deficiencies are not common in developed counties, they are still prevalent in parts of the developing world and in specific, vulnerable populations. Vitamin deficiencies can cause or contribute to many ophthalmological conditions and eye diseases may even be the first presenting finding of a vitamin deficiency. As such, it is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the ocular manifestations of vitamin deficiencies, especially given that the complications can be severe and effectively treated if identified early. This review summarizes the literature on the main vitamins known to have characteristic ocular manifestations: vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, B12, C, D, E and K. The function, epidemiology, manifestations, workup, and management of each vitamin is discussed in detail.

Pharmaceutical Screening of Bat Feces and Their Applications and Risks in Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…Vitamin B1 is currently widely used to treat neuropathic pain [15], and past studies have shown that food supplements containing vitamin B1 can improve dry eye symptoms in glaucoma patients [16,17]. Vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant in the body, and its deficiency can cause visual disorders, such as conjunctivitis and cataracts [18]. Oral vitamin B3 has a protective effect in treating or preventing glaucoma and other agingrelated neurodegenerative diseases [19].…”

Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin K Supplementation in Vitamin D Deficiency: Pathophysiological Background and Implications for Clinical Practice

“…Laboratory assessment of the VitK status by direct measurement of the VitK levels (e.g., in serum) is available, but it is difficult and demonstrates high variability; therefore, a deficiency of VitK is usually detected by functional assays [ 53 , 64 ], e.g., the prothrombin time (PT). VitK deficiency classically leads to elongated PT and bleeding in the setting of minor or absent trauma [ 64 ]. Another serum marker of the VitK levels is known as “Protein Induced by Vitamin K Antagonism or Absence” (PIVKA).…”

“…Another serum marker of the VitK levels is known as “Protein Induced by Vitamin K Antagonism or Absence” (PIVKA). The PIVKA levels usually increase in the case of VitK deficiency [ 64 ]. Undercarboxylated coagulation factor II, referred to as “Protein Induced by Vitamin K Antagonism or Absence II” (PIVKA-II), is a less commonly used but potentially very accurate marker, reflecting the hepatic VitK status [ 54 , 63 ].…”

“…The inactive form of the calcification inhibitor MGP, i.e., dephosphorylated undercarboxylated MGP, and undercarboxylated OC can be used as biomarkers of an extra-hepatic VitK status [ 54 ]. However, as there is no agreed standard, the VitK status should be evaluated using a combination of biomarkers combined with dietary VitK intake assessment [ 36 , 64 ].…”