Xerophthalmia
Xerophthalmia is an eye condition caused by severe vitamin A deficiency. It is characterized by dryness of the eyes, leading to night blindness and other vision problems.
Causes:
- Vitamin A deficiency, primarily due to inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption
Symptoms:
- Dry eyes
- Night blindness (difficulty seeing in dim light)
- Bitot's spots (foamy white patches on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye)
- Corneal ulcers (in severe cases)
Progression:
Xerophthalmia progresses in stages:
- Night blindness: The earliest symptom.
- Conjunctival xerosis: Dryness of the conjunctiva, causing it to appear red and wrinkled.
- Bitot's spots: Formation of white patches on the conjunctiva.
- Keratomalacia: Softening and melting of the cornea, which can lead to permanent blindness.
Treatment:
- Vitamin A supplementation (usually in the form of oral capsules or injections)
- In severe cases, eye drops or ointments to lubricate the eyes
Prevention:
- Consume a diet rich in vitamin A-containing foods, such as fruits (mangoes, apricots), vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes), and animal products (eggs, liver)
- Take vitamin A supplements if recommended by a healthcare professional
Additional Information:
- Xerophthalmia is more common in developing countries where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent.
- It is a preventable condition.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental.
