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[Corneal perforation associated with vitamin-A-deficiency]
C Heinz1, K-P Steuhl, D Meller
1Abteilung für Erkrankungen des vorderen Augenabschnittes des Zentrums für Augenheilkunde, Universität, Essen. carsten.heinz@uveitis-zentrum.de
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency can cause severe eye problems like corneal perforation. Early vitamin A supplementation is crucial for maintaining ocular surface integrity and preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vitamin A is essential for maintaining ocular surface integrity.
- Vitamin A deficiency can arise from various conditions, potentially leading to severe eye complications.
Observation:
- Three patients with vitamin A deficiency due to primary biliary cirrhosis, alcohol-induced malnutrition, and malabsorption syndrome were studied.
- All patients exhibited low serum vitamin A levels; two also had reduced retinol-binding protein.
Findings:
- Two patients experienced corneal perforation requiring penetrating keratoplasty, with one case needing multiple procedures due to rapid stromal melting.
- The third patient developed severe corneal thinning and a descemetocele.
- Vitamin A supplementation improved symptoms and restored ocular surface integrity in all cases.
Implications:
- Vitamin A, alongside zinc, is vital for conjunctival and corneal health, regulating mucin production for ocular defense.
- Prompt examination for vitamin A deficiency is recommended for patients with rapidly progressing corneal ulceration.
- Early vitamin A substitution is critical to prevent irreversible vision damage and disease progression.