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Vitamin A Deficiency Presenting with 'Itchy Eyes'.
Matthew Hao Lee1, Marc G Sarossy2, Ehud Zamir2
1Alfred Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Case Reports in Ophthalmology
|March 9, 2016
Summary
An elderly Australian woman experienced severe vitamin A deficiency, leading to vision problems like itchy eyes and Bitot's spots. Prompt supplementation dramatically improved her vision, underscoring the importance of dietary history in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutrition Science
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency is often associated with developing countries, but can occur in developed nations.
- Dietary habits are crucial in maintaining adequate vitamin levels.
- Ocular manifestations are common signs of vitamin A deficiency.
Observation:
- An 88-year-old female in Melbourne presented with 'itchy eyes'.
- Clinical examination revealed Bitot's spots, indicative of vitamin A deficiency.
- Laboratory tests confirmed severe vitamin A deficiency.
Findings:
- Electroretinogram showed significantly reduced a- and b-wave amplitudes, indicating widespread rod and cone dysfunction.
- Five months of vitamin A supplementation led to marked improvement in electroretinogram parameters.
- The patient's ocular symptoms and signs resolved after supplementation.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that vitamin A deficiency can occur even in developed countries.
- A thorough dietary history is essential for diagnosing 'itchy eyes' and related visual disturbances.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of vitamin A deficiency can prevent severe visual impairment and improve patient outcomes.
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