Boy Goes Blind Due to Junk Food Diet

A 12-year-old boy in Massachusetts has gone permanently blind due to a restricted diet consisting solely of junk food, including plain burgers and donuts, exacerbated by his autism and fear of certain food textures. Initially, he experienced vision issues described as darkening in the mornings and evenings, but within six weeks, he lost the ability to walk independently and ultimately lost his sight completely. Medical examinations revealed severe deficiencies in essential nutrients critical for optic nerve function, leading to optic nerve atrophy. Despite intensive therapy and nutritional supplements, experts are concerned that his vision loss may be irreversible. This case highlights the growing prevalence of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), particularly among autistic children, which often leads to limited food choices due to anxiety over textures and tastes. Similar cases in the UK and elsewhere are raising alarms about the health risks associated with restrictive diets in children.