Ocular Manifestations of Ariboflavinosis

Abstract

9 patients with other symptoms of riboflavin deficiency developed ocular lesions. Slit-lamp examinations and ocular signs revealed that the principal manifestation was a keratitis. The corneal lesions improved or disappeared upon adm. of riboflavin and reappeared on cessation of riboflavin therapy. In addition to cheilosis and seborrheic dermatitis already known to be characteristics of ariboflavinosis, a specific type of glossitis was also observed in these patients. This glossitis, like the cheilosis, seborrheic dermatitis and keratitis, also disappeared upon riboflavin treatment and recurred upon cessation of therapy. 2 patients with severe interstitial keratitis associated with syphilis showed very marked improvement while under therapy with riboflavin.