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Nutritional amblyopia combined with night blindness.
Angeline M Nguyen1, Ashley A Campbell, Richard D Semba
1Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA.
A restrictive diet caused severe vision loss in an 18-year-old male, leading to night blindness and nutritional amblyopia. Prompt vitamin A and B12 supplementation restored vision, highlighting the critical role of balanced nutrition for eye health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- A highly restrictive diet consisting of only French fries, pretzels, crackers, and carbonated beverages was consumed by an 18-year-old male for an extended period.
- This unusual dietary pattern raises concerns about potential nutritional deficiencies and their impact on health.
Observation:
- The patient experienced a sudden onset of night blindness and bilateral visual loss.
- Clinical examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy and bilateral ring scotomas, indicating significant damage to the optic nerves and visual field defects.
Findings:
- Night blindness resolved following daily oral vitamin A supplementation.
- Visual acuity improved significantly after multivitamin supplementation and vitamin B12 injections, with the right eye reaching 20/20 and the left eye 20/25.
- Despite professional advice, the patient was unable to alter his diet.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe ocular consequences of prolonged nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin A deficiency.
- It highlights the importance of comprehensive nutritional assessment and intervention in cases of unexplained visual impairment.
- The case emphasizes the potential for visual recovery with appropriate supplementation, even in the presence of optic atrophy, though long-term outcomes require monitoring.
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