Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

ISSN: 2008-322X

The latest research in clinical ophthalmology and vision science

Differential Diagnosis of Corneal Manifestations in Hypovitaminosis and Retinitis Pigmentosa

Published date: Nov 10 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: ‎Volume 20 - 2025

Pages: 1 - 5

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v20.16803

Authors:

Beatrice Cesarob.cesaro@unibs.itEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia

Chiara Anconachia.ancona@gmail.comEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia

Mariantonia Ferraramariantonia.ferrara@gmail.comEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia

Giuseppe Nascimbenigiuseppe.nascimbeni@unibs.itEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia

Francesco Semerarofrancesco.semeraro@unibs.itEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia

Vito Romanovito.romano@gmail.comEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia

Abstract:

Purpose: To report on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), hypovitaminoses, and bilateral corneal involvement.

Case Report: A 62-year-old woman, diagnosed with RP, presented with photophobia, sudden bilateral visual decline, and known long-term night blindness. Ophthalmic examination showed corneal perforation in the right eye, corneal ulcer in the left eye, and bilateral corneal hypoesthesia. She had undergone bariatric surgery and recently suspended vitamin supplementation. Blood tests revealed hypovitaminoses A, D, D3, and E. The patient underwent tectonic keratoplasty in the right eye and received topical therapy in the left eye, and then restarted vitamin supplementation as recommended by the nutritionist. Significant functional recovery was documented in both eyes at 1-, 3-, and 10-month follow-ups.

Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of an integrative approach that includes comprehensive history taking, targeted laboratory work-up, as well as accurate differential diagnosis, especially given the potential multifactorality of ocular symptoms and signs.

Keywords: Bariatric Surgery, Corneal Ulcer, Hypovitaminosis, Retinitis Pigmentosa

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