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Dark adaptation compared with electrooculography in primary biliary cirrhosis
C Barber1, G Brimlow, N R Galloway
1University Hospital Nottingham, UK.
Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Asymptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis patients showed impaired dark adaptation, even with normal vitamin A levels. Visual function tests are recommended alongside vitamin A measurements for treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease.
- Asymptomatic patients may have subclinical complications.
- Vitamin A deficiency can affect vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate visual function in asymptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis patients.
- To correlate visual function with vitamin A levels and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Assessed dark adaptation thresholds in PBC patients and controls.
- Measured serum vitamin A levels.
- Performed electrooculogram (EOG) in select cases.
Main Results:
- Significant impairment of dark adaptation was observed in PBC patients compared to controls.
- Only two patients had low vitamin A levels, both with high dark adaptation thresholds.
- Electrooculogram was reduced only in the most severely affected patient.
Conclusions:
- Dark adaptation impairment can occur in asymptomatic PBC patients.
- Vitamin A levels alone may not fully reflect visual function in PBC.
- Visual function testing is crucial for comprehensive assessment and treatment planning in PBC.