A teenager has developed permanent sight loss after living on a diet of French fries and crisps.
The 17-year-old was diagnosed in Bristol after his vision had deteriorated to the point of blindness. According to sources, since leaving primary school (at the age of 11), he ate only French fries, Pringles and white bread. Occasionally, he would also have a slice of ham or a sausage.
Tests have revealed the child had severe vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition.
The child first saw his doctor at the age of 14, saying he felt tired and unwell. Having been given a dose of supplements to curb his nutrition deficiencies, he soon gave up on treatment and did not improve his poor diet.
Three years later, we was admitted to Bristol’s eye hospital because of his progressive sight loss.
According to the treating doctor, the poor diet was down to the child’s fussy eating habits, including his aversion to certain textures of foods. French fries and crisps were the only things he wanted to eat.
The story has attracted attention to the dangers of malnutrition, especially in developing children. While it’s treatable, it caught early, long-term damage can be done if children do not receive the right amount of healthy foods.
