Xerophthalmia and Nyctalopia as Presenting Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency in a Patient With Rapid Intentional Weight Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review.

To present a patient with xerophthalmia and night blindness secondary to vitamin A deficiency following rapid weight loss. A 34-year-old man presented with decreased night vision, foreign body sensation, and eye dryness. He reported a rapid intentional weight loss of approximately 34 kg over the past 4 months through a restricted diet. Slit lamp examination revealed severe dry eye and a foamy appearance of the bulbar conjunctiva in both eyes. Retinal inner atrophy was evident on macular optical coherence tomography imaging. This case highlights critical considerations for clinical practice, particularly in managing patients experiencing rapid weight loss. It emphasizes the importance of thorough nutritional assessments in individuals undergoing significant weight changes, whether due to intentional dieting, bariatric surgery, or illness. Early identification of at-risk individuals facilitates timely intervention, including dietary counseling, supplementation, and, if necessary, referral to specialists in nutrition or gastroenterology.