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Ophthalmic changes in severe anorexia nervosa: a case series
Jennifer L Gaudiani1, Jon M Braverman, Margherita Mascolo
1ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA. jennifer.gaudiani@dhha.org
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|March 13, 2012
Summary
Severe anorexia nervosa (AN) can cause lagophthalmos (failure of eyelid closure), leading to dry eyes and light sensitivity. Prompt nutritional rehabilitation and eye care resolved these ocular complications in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Severe anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with numerous medical complications.
- Ocular manifestations of AN are not well-documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- Five patients with severe AN presented with dry eyes, irritation, and photophobia.
- Clinical examination revealed lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure), ptosis, and enophthalmos.
Findings:
- Lagophthalmos, ptosis, and enophthalmos are previously undescribed ocular complications of severe AN.
- These findings are linked to starvation-mediated medical issues.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of these ocular symptoms are crucial.
- Nutritional rehabilitation and protective eye measures can prevent vision loss and improve AN patient outcomes.
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