Kumale Tolesa Daba,
Jimma University, Ethiopia
Title: Bilateral keratomalacia secondary to diet induced vitamin A deficiency in an Ethiopian young woman: A case report
Biography
Biography: Kumale Tolesa Daba,
Abstract
Diet induced vitamin A deficiency is less commonly seen in otherwise healthy adults, due to large store of vitamin A in the
body. Night blindness is the commonest manifestation of vitamin A deficiency in adults, whereas keratomalacia is a rare
manifestation. A 27 years old Ethiopian woman came to Jimma University Department of Ophthalmology with a compliant of
protrusion of the globe content of both eyes within a week, after having redness and fear of light of both eyes for 2 months. She
is a mother of twins and has low socioeconomic status. On general examination she is catechetic with enlarged parotid gland.
On ocular examination she is bilaterally blind and has dry ocular surface. There was bilaterally melted cornea with prolapsed
uveal tissue. After going through several investigations, she was diagnosed as bilateral keratomalacia (stage X3B) secondary
to diet induced vitamin A deficiency. She was supplemented with vitamin A and other nutritional supplementation. Topical
lubricating drops and ointments were administered. Finally conjunctival flap was done to preserve the globe. Although it is
rare, treating physicians should be aware of the occurrence of keratomalacia in adults which is potentially blinding. Early
recognition and treatment of vitamin A deficiency at the stage of night blindness is very essential in reducing blindness caused
by keratomalacia.