LOGIC.co.id – A 12-year-old boy in Massachusetts, USA, has lost his vision after years of consuming only junk food. The case was recently reported in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The boy, who has special needs, maintained a daily diet of junk food, including hamburgers, fries, donuts, and packaged juice. His limited diet stemmed from a phobia of certain food textures, which made it challenging for his parents to introduce more nutritious options essential for his health.
Rapid Decline in Vision at a Young Age
In early 2024, the boy began complaining of vision problems, experiencing blurred vision in the morning and at night, while seeing clearly during the day. His vision continued to deteriorate rapidly, and one evening, he screamed in fear after suddenly becoming unable to see.
His parents rushed him to the hospital, where doctors discovered that he had a severe nutrient deficiency affecting his optic nerve. This lack of essential nutrients had led to optic nerve atrophy or shrinking, which was too advanced to be reversed by the time he received medical attention.
Difficult Recovery with Limited Treatment Options
The boy received supplements of vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, thiamine, copper, and zinc to address his nutritional deficiencies. With behavioral therapy, he eventually managed to tolerate cheese and lettuce in his hamburgers, and his parents attempted to add clear supplements to his juice, although he was still reluctant.
Unfortunately, these efforts have not yielded any improvement in his vision. Researchers noted, “Severe vision loss at such an advanced stage cannot be reversed, though early intervention may allow some improvement.”
