Evaluation of Plasma Vitamin A and E Levels and Tear Film Changes in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether alterations in plasma vitamin A and E levels in patients with psoriasis have an effect on tear film changes. METHODS: Sixty-two eyes of 31 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (Group A) and 74 eyes of 37 age- and gender-matched control subjects (Group B) were included in the study. Ocular and medical histories and dietary habits were obtained from each patient. The tear film break-up time (TBUT), the Schirmer 1 test results and plasma vitamin A and E levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean Schirmer 1 test score was 14.76 ± 6.12 mm/5 min in Group A and 15.69 ± 3.10 mm/5 min in Group B. The mean plasma levels of vitamins A and E in Groups A and B were 1.86 ± 0.62 µmol/L and 1.88 ± 0.65 µmol/L vs. 26.21 ± 5.13 µmol/L and 27.19 ± 8.89 µmol/L, respectively. The Schirmer 1 test results and plasma vitamin A and E levels were not found to be significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean TBUT was 9.94 ± 6.18 seconds in Group A and 14.47 ± 5.65 seconds in Group B, a significant difference (p < 0.05). No correlation existed between plasma vitamin A and E levels, TBUT or the severity and duration of the disease (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma vitamin A and E levels do not seem to be related to tear film changes in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.