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Bilateral corneal ulcers in primary vitamin A deficiency
M S Macsai1, S Agarwal, E Gamponia
1Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown 26506, USA.
Purpose:
To report a case of bilateral corneal ulcers and perforations resulting from hypovitaminosis A in an alcoholic patient.
Methods:
A 38-year-old cachetic man presented with bilateral corneal ulcerations and severe visual loss. He was hospitalized, developed bilateral corneal perforations, and was treated with bilateral corneal transplants.
Results:
Serum vitamin A level was 0.01 microg/dL (normal, 0.30-0.75). The electroretinogram was consistent with vitamin A deficiency. His clinical status improved after vitamin A replacement.
Conclusions:
Although rare in developed countries, the ophthalmologist must consider avitaminosis A in the differential diagnosis of corneal ulcerations in cachetic, alcoholic, or chronically ill patients. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent unwanted outcomes.