Vitamin A deficiency with nyctalopia after bilateral cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lenses

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this case study was to report an unusual case of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) with nyctalopia that was diagnosed after bilateral cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Patient and Clinical Findings: After cataract surgery with multifocal IOLs, a 66-year-old man developed progressive intolerable night vision symptoms, requesting IOL exchange. Diagnosis, Intervention, and Outcomes: Only careful history and investigation revealed the cause to be VAD secondary to celiac disease, rather than lens-related. The patient was commenced on parenteral vitamin A resulting in a complete resolution of nyctalopia. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of VAD diagnosed in this context. We reflect on the importance of thorough history taking, particularly in patients referred for cataract surgery by their optometrist, where the provided medical history may be incomplete.