Deficiency – xeropthalmia (dry eye)

DEFICIENCY – XEROPHTHALMIA (DRY EYE)

  • Severe or prolonged vitamin A deficiency causes a condition called xerophthalmia (dry eye)
  • Xerophthalmia is characterized by changes in the cells of the cornea that ultimately result in corneal opacity, keratinization of the cornea, corneal ulcers, scarring, and blindness.
  • Some times vitamin A deficiency can lead to obstruction of lacrimal ducts due to degenerated epithelial cells leading to decreased out put of tears.
Last modified: Monday, 26 March 2012, 8:31 AM