[Two patients with xerophthalmia].

BACKGROUND

Xerophthalmia, the eye manifestation of vitamin A deficiency, is one of the main reasons of blindness in developing countries but is rare in industrial countries.

PATIENTS: We report on 2 cases of night blindness and conjunctival and corneal xerosis because of hypovitaminosis A. One patient developed vitamin A deficiency due to short bowel syndrome resulting from gastroschisis. The other patient suffered from primary hypovitaminosis A because of malnutrition due to inadequate dietary intake. Electroretinograms were consistent with vitamin A deficiency. Their symptoms quickly improved after vitamin A substitution.

CONCLUSION

Although rare in developed countries, ophthalmologists should consider xerophthalmia as differential diagnosis in night blindness and conjunctival and corneal xerosis. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment can prevent permanent visual loss.