Ocular complications of hypovitaminosis a after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To report the ocular complications of xerophthalmia, nyctalopia, and visual deterioration to legal blindness as a result of inadequate vitamin A supplementation after malabsorptive bariatric surgery.

Design: Observational case report and literature review.

Participant: A 39-year-old woman with xerophthalmia and nyctalopia occurring 3 years after gastric bypass surgery.

Results: We report a patient with a rare finding of xerophthalmia and visual deterioration after gastric bypass surgery as a result of vitamin A deficiency. The patient was referred for decreased vision associated with chronic dry eyes, bilateral diffuse punctate keratitis, and corneal scarring of unknown cause after several ophthalmologic examinations. The medical history, ophthalmic findings, and clinical course are discussed.

Conclusions: Gastric bypass procedures can cause vitamin A deficiency leading to serious ocular complications, including xerophthalmia, nyctalopia, and ultimate blindness. The increasing incidence of obesity and gastric bypass procedures warrants patient and physician education regarding strict adherence to vitamin supplementation. Education is imperative to avoid detrimental ophthalmic complications resulting from hypovitaminosis A and to prevent a potential epidemic of iatrogenic xerophthalmia and blindness.