Background: Vitamin D is crucial for enhancing general health, particularly in the development of
strong bones and bolstering the immune system. In children, a substantial deficiency of vitamin D can
lead to a condition known as rickets, characterized by weakened bones and skeletal abnormalities. While
extensive research has been conducted on the impact of rickets on the musculoskeletal system, there is
limited investigation into the effects of vitamin D deficiency on ocular health, specifically focusing on
the cornea of the eye. This research aims to investigate the consequences of vitamin D deficiency on the
cornea in children diagnosed with rickets.
Objectives
1-To identify any effect on corneal or structural changes associated with vitamin D deficiency in these
children.
2-To find relationship between vitamin D levels and corneal health.
Methodology: A case-control study design to identify the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the corneal
health in children diagnosed with rickets the study started from OCT20th, 2023 to Jan 5,2024 The study
was carried out in pediatric clinics and hospitals across various locations in the Kurdistan Region
and Najaf city of Iraq, with the informed consent of the children's parents being obtained such as
Rehabilitation center, a nutrition clinic counseling from pediatric and ophthalmology center test
A purposive sample of (50) child divided into two groups. The first group comprised 25 children (13
males and 12 females) diagnosed with rickets, selected from a nutrition clinic along with their parents
and received counseling from pediatric and ophthalmology center test during the data collection period.
The second group consisted of 25 healthy children (13 males and 12 females). The Questionnaire for
this current study was gathered and conducted using study instruments to assess serum levels of Vitamin
D, Calcium, and phosphate, along with ophthalmological evaluations. Additionally, participants will be
given a questionnaire to gather variable’s on their dietary pattern sun exposure, and lifestyle factors.
Data were analyzed using SPSS 27. Descriptive statistics of range, mean and standard deviation were
used, in addition to inferential statistic such as t-test to find significant difference in means. A p value
less than 0.05 were considered significant.
The results of study reveal that the mean of vitamin D level in study group was found to be 9.1 ng/mL,
significantly lower than the control group mean of 60.0 ng/mL (p<0.001). the study observed a marked
difference in the mean calcium levels, where the patient group exhibited a mean of 1.3 compared to
the control group's mean of 2.0 (p<0.001). Similarly, the mean phosphate levels in the patient children
group were 1.3, significantly lower than the control children group mean of 2.2 (p<0.001).
Conclusion & Recommendation: The mean vitamin D level in the study group was found to be 9.1 ng/
mL, significantly lower than the control group mean of 60.0 ng/mL (p<0.001). the study observed a
marked difference in the mean calcium levels, where the patient group exhibited a mean of 1.3 compared
to the control group's mean of 2.0 (p<0.001). Similarly, the mean phosphate levels in the patient children
group were 1.3, significantly lower than the control children group mean of 2.2 (p<0.001). according to
this finding it is recommends to emphasize on post natal care for children to give immunization and give
good nutrition with exposure to sun in morning.
