Isolated Optic Neuropathy due to Folate Deficiency with associated Iron Overload

Isolated Optic neuropathy due to folate deficiency is rarely reported. Poor dietary practices, malabsorption, and/or tobacco/alcohol abuse are responsible. We examined a patient with blinding optic neuropathies and isolated folic acid deficiency. After initial replacement therapy serologic investigation subsequently revealed high ferritin and iron saturation levels with negative genetic testing for hemochromatosis consistent with the diagnosis of Iron Overload Syndrome. There are no reports of blindness associated with Iron Overload Syndrome.