Vitamin A Deficiency in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can manifest as xerophthalmia, a spectrum of eye conditions ranging from night blindness to severe outcomes like keratomalacia and corneal scarring. We report two cases of a seven-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy in Japan with xerophthalmia caused by VAD associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The first case demonstrates severe complications of prolonged VAD, including optic disc edema and irreversible corneal damage, which then results in blindness. The second case identified and treated earlier in the stage of corneal xerosis shows favorable prognosis. These two cases illustrate the risk of VAD among children with ASD and the importance of timely intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. Because of the prevalence of ASD, awareness of VAD as a potential health problem needs to be raised. Early detection, proper treatment, and dietary guidance are crucial in managing VAD. Ophthalmologists must be vigilant for signs of VAD in children with ASD, including difficulty opening eyelids, to prevent irreversible visual loss.