Posters

A case of vitamin A deficiency resulting in xerophthalmia, keratomalacia and non-infective hypopyon in a developed country

Poster Details

First Author: Y.Hah SINGAPORE

Co Author(s):    M. Bin Ismail   J. Tan   W. Heng   A. Lau           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Vitamin A deficiency is known to cause xerophthalmia and night blindness. We report an interesting case of a severe keratomalacia with non-infective hypopyon due to Vitamin A deficiency.

Setting:

Ophthalmology department in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Methods:

A case report.

Results:

A 56-year-old male presented with bilateral discomfort, blurring of vision and glare for three weeks. He had hand movement vision in his right eye and 20/400 in his left eye. Extensive conjunctival keratinization was seen bilaterally with severe superior corneal thinning and hypopyon in the right eye. His left eye had an inferior localized corneal thinning with an infiltrate. He was treated with topical fortified antibiotics and oral Vitamin A. There was complete resolution of hypopyon, conjunctival keratinization and infective keratitis after treatment. His final vision was 20/30 in his right eye and 20/40 in his left eye.

Conclusions:

Although rare, Vitamin A deficiency may cause severe xerophthalmia, keratomalacia and reactive hypopyon. As diagnosis is usually clinical, prompt recognition is important as timely Vitamin A replacement allows rapid reversal of the disease with good visual prognosis.

Financial Disclosure:

None