Abstract

Vitamin deficiencies of B12 (cobalamin) and B9 (folic acid) are common causes of nutritional optic neuropathy. We present a unique case report of a patient with normal B12 levels and deficient folic acid levels. Folic acid deficiency, along with excessive alcohol and tobacco use, resulted in decreased visual acuities and paracentral visual fields defects. A 57-yearold male experienced a bilateral, insidious, and painless decrease in vision over a two-month period and was found to have tobacco-alcohol amblyopia (TAA), an optic neuropathy related to nutritional deficiency in combination with excessive tobacco use and/or alcohol (ethanol) consumption. With proper supplementation, he experienced significant improvement in vision, but with a devastating outcome leading to his death. This case report illustrates a unique case of folic acid deficiency contributing to TAA, as vitamin B12 deficiency is more frequently associated with TAA. CE Notification: This course is expired.

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