[Vision jeopardizing xerophthalmia in Denmark].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin A deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in developing countries.
• Alcoholism can impair nutrient absorption, increasing the risk of deficiencies.
• Keratomalacia, a severe eye condition, results from prolonged vitamin A deficiency.

Observation:

• A 54-year-old male with a history of alcoholism presented with bilateral keratomalacia.
• Clinical examination revealed corneal ulceration in the right eye and stromal necrosis with perforation in the left eye.
• Laboratory tests showed critically low serum retinol and beta-carotene levels.

Findings:

• The patient received high-dose retinol supplementation and corneal transplantation for the left eye.
• The right eye healed with minimal scarring and a visual acuity of 0.5.
• The left eye required a second corneal transplant and conjunctival covering, stabilizing vision to hand movements at 1 meter.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates symptomatic vitamin A deficiency in a socially exposed individual in Denmark.
• It underscores the importance of nutritional screening and intervention in at-risk populations, including those with alcohol use disorder.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss from vitamin A deficiency.