[Xerophthalmia caused by self-induced deficiency disease]

Xerophthalmia is no longer seen in Europe since the 19th century. We report the case of a female patient, aged 33, of french nationality, who presented a clinical picture of major vitamin A deficiency, self-induced and with ocular complications. An untreated long standing depressive condition appeared to be the major etiologic factor. Perforation of a desmetocele necessitated penetrating keratoplasty. Histologic corneal and conjunctival aspects are reported. Oral prescription of vitamin A resulted in considerable clinical improvement. Only 3 similar cases have been previously reported. Clinical manifestations of xerophthalmia are described along with preventive and curative therapy.