The tropical amblyopia syndrome (or tropical nutritional amblyopia) in the Mid-Western State of Nigeria

Abstract

One hundred and seven patients from the Mid-Western State of Nigeria with the tropical amblyopia syndrome are reported. Ninety-five patients (88.8%) had the amblyopia syndrome mainly; twelve patients (11.2%) had amblyopia and other manifestations of the tropical ataxic neuropathy. The young, aged 10-20 years, represented by sixty-six patients (61.8%), are predominantly affected by the uncomplicated syndrome. Thirteen patients (12.1 %) showed muco-cutaneous evidence of avitaminosis. Fifty patients (46.7%) had temporal pallor of the optic discs, bilaterally, another fifty (46.7%) had normal discs, two (2-8%) showed pink discs. Generalized field constriction is the common field defect, though central or centro-caecal scotoma can occur. Red/green defect was present in seven patients. It is a disease of the poor or those living on a basic monotonous diet consisting mainly of cassava (mannihot) and its derivatives. It is a significant cause of defective vision in Mid-Western Nigeria