A/Prof Lyndell Lim

New research suggests vitamin D deficiency may be linked to relapses of uveitis.  

Associate Professor Lyndell Lim from The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) said the idea to investigate a potential link between uveitis and vitamin D levels was based on previous studies linking vitamin D with multiple sclerosis. 

In this study, CERA and Monash University researchers compared serum vitamin D levels, sunlight exposure and dietary intake in adult patients with active and inactive uveitis as well as in population controls.  

Researchers found participants with active uveitis showed significantly lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels than inactive uveitis patients and local population-based estimates. The study also discovered that both vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure were associated with decreased uveitis activity in those with vitamin D deficiency.  

The results suggest vitamin D supplementation should be studied as an option for the prevention of uveitis relapse in at-risk patients, said A/Prof Lim. “More research is needed before we could recommend vitamin D supplements, there would need to be a randomised controlled trial,” she said. “But the message is, if you have uveitis, get your vitamin D levels checked, and if you’re deficient it’s worth trying to get your levels up into a healthy range.”