[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.