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Published on: April 15, 2014
Optic neuropathy associated with vitamin B12 deficiency
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency in a teen after bowel surgery caused vision loss. Supplementing with vitamin B complex resolved the visual field defects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can arise after small bowel resection due to malabsorption.
- Visual disturbances are a rare but serious manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with bilateral centrocecal scotomas.
- The patient had a history of small bowel resection and subsequently developed vitamin B12 deficiency.
Findings:
- Folic acid therapy, while treating the deficiency, appeared to exacerbate or unmask visual field defects.
- Improvement in vision occurred upon initiation of therapy including vitamin B complex, suggesting a role for vitamin B12 in visual pathway integrity.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering vitamin B12 status in patients with visual complaints, especially post-gastrointestinal surgery.
- Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive B vitamin supplementation are crucial for preventing irreversible neurological and visual damage.
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