title: Low-carbohydrate diet optic neuropathy.
abstract: Visual loss occurring in two patients taking prolonged carbohydrate-restrictive diets is reported. The clinical data in these patients point to a specific diet deficiency of thiamine, causing a bilateral optic neuropathy. A discussion of current concepts of thiamine deficiency in neuroophthalmic disorders is presented. It is recommended that patients on low-carbohydrate diets for prolonged periods of time should receive thiamine supplements.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D013832:Thiamine Deficiency / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates