Value of vitamin A supplements in increasing macular thickness in a patient with vitamin A deficiency and nyctalopy.

Abstract

Although vitamin A deficiency is a rare cause of nyctalopia, its detection is crucial since vitamin A supplementation can improve vision. This is the case of a 69-year-old woman with progressive night blindness, a past medical history of intestinal surgery, and low vitamin A levels. After vitamin A treatment, her visual acuity improved, along with an increase in macular thickness. Vitamin A is essential for photoreceptor function, and its deficiency is associated with conditions such as xerophthalmia and keratopathy. OCT proved useful in monitoring treatment response. It is important to suspect hypovitaminosis A in patients with risk factors such as bariatric surgery or malabsorption, as its correction can enhance both retinal structure and visual function.