Folic acid deficiency optic neuropathy: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional optic neuropathies are uncommon and can be associated with gradual visual loss and optic atrophy or sudden vision loss and optic disc swelling. Case presentation: A 44-year-old woman presented with a 4-week history of progressive visual loss and was noted to have bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy. No other clinical abnormality was noted. Investigations revealed severe folate deficiency with normal vitamin B12 levels. Her alcohol and tobacco consumption was moderate and subsequent correction of folate levels with oral supplementation has led to improvement in her visual acuity. Conclusion: This case highlights an unusual presentation of folic acid deficiency that may present to the general physician. © 2008 de Silva et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.