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Folic acid deficiency optic neuropathy: a case report
Punyanganie de Silva1, Gerard Jayamanne, Robin Bolton
1Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster, UK. punyanganie@yahoo.com
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|September 12, 2008
Summary
Severe folate deficiency can cause vision loss. Prompt supplementation improved visual acuity in a patient with this rare nutritional optic neuropathy, highlighting its importance for general physicians.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Nutritional optic neuropathies are rare causes of vision impairment.
- They can manifest as gradual vision loss with optic atrophy or sudden vision loss with optic disc swelling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of nutritional optic neuropathy.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and management of folate deficiency presenting as optic neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 44-year-old woman with progressive visual loss.
- Diagnostic investigations revealed severe folate deficiency.
- Treatment involved oral folate supplementation.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy.
- Severe folate deficiency was identified, with normal vitamin B12 levels.
- Visual acuity improved following folate level correction.
Conclusions:
- Folic acid deficiency can present atypically with optic neuropathy.
- This case underscores the need for general physicians to consider nutritional deficiencies in patients with visual disturbances.
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