Background: To report the first two cases of sterile corneal perforation secondary to vitamin A deficiency after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/SW).
Methods: Observational case series.
Results: Two patients with a history of BPD/SW presented with corneal perforation associated with conjunctival xerosis and keratopathy. In both cases, serum vitamin A level dosage revealed a marked deficit, and the patients admitted poor compliance with vitamin supplementation. Oral therapy with vitamin A was started immediately, and in one case ocular surgery was performed to preserve the integrity of the globe.
Conclusions: Ophthalmologists should carefully examine the ocular surface of patients undergone bariatric surgery in order to promptly recognize the signs of vitamin A deficiency and avoid serious sight-threatening complications.
Keywords: Biliopancreatic diversion; Corneal perforation; Vitamin A; Xerophthalmia.