Due to an exceptionally inadequate diet, an 8-year-old kid in Malaysia has permanently lost his vision, underscoring the risks associated with severe vitamin deficiencies in children.
Since birth, the toddler had apparently only eaten cookies, sausages, and chicken nuggets, according to iHeart. It wasn’t until he questioned a teacher, “Why can’t I see anything?” that his condition became apparent. He was subsequently taken to the hospital by the worried school personnel.
The boy was found to have a severe vitamin A deficiency, which is one of the main causes of childhood blindness globally even though it is uncommon in developed nations. In this instance, the shortage resulted in optic atrophy, which is permanent eyesight loss caused by irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
To increase awareness, prominent Malaysian doctor Dr. Erna Nadia, who is active on social media, posted the case on Facebook. “As a mother, I know that cooking wholesome meals while you’re busy isn’t always easy. It must be difficult for the student’s parents to accept,” she added.
Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency That Are Warning
According to The Daily Mail, Dr. Nadia advised other parents to be aware of the following early signs of vitamin A deficiency:
Dry eyes
Having trouble seeing in dim light
Shadows or gray patches on the eye whites
Having trouble shedding tears
Ways to Avoid Vitamin A Insufficiency
The Cleveland Clinic states that vitamin A is necessary for both general immune system function and healthy vision. Diets should contain the following to prevent deficiencies:
Broccoli and leafy greens
Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and other yellow and orange veggies
Papayas, oranges, mangoes, and cantaloupe
Dairy products, liver, beef, chicken, and eggs
Cereal, rice, wheat, and soybeans that have been fortified
Salmon and other fatty fish
Vitamin A supplements may be required in some situations, particularly in underdeveloped nations; this is especially true for pregnant or nursing women, young children, and babies.
In countries like the United States, vitamin A deficiency is rare, yet it has a serious global impact. According to the World Health Organization, it is the primary cause of avoidable blindness in children worldwide.
This story is similar to one that was covered by the Daily Mail in October of last year, when a 12-year-old Massachusetts boy likewise lost his sight as a result of eating a diet low in nutrients.
