Abstract:
Introduction. Myopia remains a pressing issue in the field of pediatric
ophthalmology, especially considering the forced transition to online learning in
recent years, prompted by epidemic conditions and the state of war in Ukraine.
Such rapid and extreme changes in children's lives objectively affect their mental
health and may induce excessive anxiety. Vitamin D, as a potential factor influencing
the development of myopia and contributing to stable mental health, is gradually
being recognized for its multifaceted role in overall well-being.
Aim. To determine the correlation between the degree of vitamin D deficiency in
children with axial and refractive myopia dynamically and its relation to increased
anxiety level.
Materials and methods. Under our supervision were 42 children aged 8-10, divided
into 2 groups based on axial or refractive myopia. Ophthalmic exams were
conducted every 6 months, assessing serum vitamin D levels. Psychological
assessments included anxiety tests (P. Temple, M. Dorkey, E. W. Amen), with
psychologists offering anxiety control techniques and gym relaxation activities
during the study.
Results. At the start of observation, mean indicators for children in groups 1 (axial)
and 2 (refractive myopia) were: eye length - 25.02±0.13 and 23.51±0.13 mm, corneal
curvature - 42.63±0.24 and 45.21±0.20 D, vitamin D levels were 17.28 ± 5.05 and
16.65±4.03 ng/ml, respectively. The average anxiety index in both groups was 7.69±
1.54.
Over the year, in group 1 an average vitamin D increase of 14.96±3.63 ng/ml,
reaching normal levels within 6-9 months. Refraction remained unchanged in 23.8%
of children, while 76.2% experienced myopia increase by 0.54±0.16 D.
In group 2, a vitamin D increase of 15.41±2.93 ng/ml over the year, reaching normal
levels within 9-12 months. In 66.7% of children, refraction remained unchanged,
while in 33.3%, myopia increased by 0.38±0.13 D.
The average vitamin D increase twice in both groups. Pearson coefficient in both
groups revealed an inverse relationship between investigated signs (r1 = -0.682 and
r2 = -0.623). Anxiety index decreased by 47% to an average level of 4.07±0.81,
indicating potential improvement in children's well-being.
Conclusion. According to the study results, a significant inverse correlation was
found between myopia progression and normalized vitamin D levels in axial and
refractive myopia. However, the association between vitamin D and anxiety levels
requires further investigation. Patients in both groups were advised to maintain
their regimen, undergo follow-up examinations every 3 months, and take 2000 IU
of vitamin D3 regularly as recommended by the pediatrician.
