Xerophthalmia-A Major Eye Problem Found In India

Xerophthalmia  refers to the eye manifestations (signs) arising due to vitamin A deficiency. Blindness, resulting as a result of xerophthalmia, is an important public health problem in india. It is estimated that about a quarter of the 15 million blind persons in the country are due to xerophthalmia. Although vitamin A deficiency may become apparent at all ages, the preschool child (in the 3rd or 4th year of life) is the most frequent victim of this debilitating disorder.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF XEROPHTHALMIA- The clinical manifestations in xerophthalmia pertain to changes in the eye.

 

The main symptoms of this disease are-

  • Night blindness- one of the earliest manifestations of xerophthalmia is night blindness. in this, the individuals cannot see in dim light or around dusk. The child will be unable to see even the plate kept in front of him/her in dim light.
  • Bitot spots- In addition to xerosis,dry foamy, triangular spots may appear on the conjunctiva. These are known as bitots spots. Usually these are more common on the temporal side of the eye rather than the nasal side. In our country there is a practice among girls to apply ‘kajal’ and can be seen even from a distance.
  • Corneal xerosis- As in the case of the conjunctiva, the normal cornea is moist and shining. When vitamin A deficiency becomes severe, the cornea becomes dry and dull and appears like ground glass. This condition is called as corneal xerosis , which means dryness of the cornea. This condition should be treated as an emergency.

Keratomalacia- The most dangerous form of xerophthalmia is known as keratomalacia. In this condition, the cornea becomes very soft and raw and easily infected. It leads to destruction of the eye. This condition inevitably leads to irreversible blindness. Generally, this condition is seen in both the eyes and is common in children between the ages of 1-5 years.

 

 

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