An eight-year-old boy in Malaysia has been left permanently blind due to severe malnutrition from his limited diet, which consisted exclusively of chicken nuggets, sausages, and cookies since infancy.

His vision loss became evident during a second-grade class in Kuala Lumpur when he suddenly asked why he could not see anything.

Medical diagnosis revealed he suffered from severe vitamin A deficiency, which is crucial for maintaining healthy optic nerves.

Vitamin A is essential for producing rhodopsin, a protein necessary for vision in low-light conditions, and its deficiency can lead to optic atrophy.

Vision deterioration from optic neuropathy can be painless, but early treatment with dietary supplements can help.

Optic neuropathy is a condition resulting from optic nerve damage, potentially leading to vision loss if untreated.

Dr. Erna Nadia emphasized the importance of a balanced diet for children on social media, advising parents to monitor for symptoms of deficiency.

She highlighted that symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include dry eyes and night blindness, which parents should recognize.

The World Health Organization estimates that 250,000 to 500,000 children with vitamin A deficiency go blind annually, with half dying within a year of losing their sight.

Similar cases have emerged in the US, including a 12-year-old boy from Massachusetts who went blind due to a diet limited to burgers, fries, and donuts.

Experts estimate that one in 100 American children are vitamin A deficient, while many also lack vitamin D and C.

Food deserts in rural America contribute to nutrient deficiencies among children, exacerbated by rising autism rates which impact dietary habits.