Vitamin A deficiency can lead to corneal ulcers Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer is an eye infection that causes an open sore on the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil). Contact lenses, injuries, disorders, drugs, and nutritional deficiencies... read more
and bacterial infections.Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness (poor vision in the dark).
Doctors diagnose keratomalacia based on the appearance of the person's cornea.
Treatment includes correcting the vitamin A deficiency with an improved diet or supplements and using antibiotic eye drops or ointments for any infection.
(See also Introduction to Corneal Disorders Introduction to Corneal Disorders The cornea is the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil. It protects the iris and lens and helps focus light on the retina. It is composed of cells, protein, and fluid. The cornea looks... read more .)
An Inside Look at the Eye
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Symptoms of Keratomalacia
The surface of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye) and cornea dries, sometimes leading to corneal ulcers Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer is an eye infection that causes an open sore on the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil). Contact lenses, injuries, disorders, drugs, and nutritional deficiencies... read more and bacterial infections. The tear glands are also affected, resulting in an inadequate tear film and dry eyes. People with extreme eye dryness can develop foamy spots (Bitot spots) on the conjunctiva. Night blindness (poor vision in the dark) may develop because of the effects of vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A deficiency can result from a diet low in vitamin A or an absorption or liver disorder. Night blindness is an early symptom. Blindness can eventually develop. The eyes, skin, and other... read more on the retina.
Diagnosis of Keratomalacia
A doctor's evaluation
The diagnosis of keratomalacia is based on the presence of a dry or ulcerated cornea in an undernourished person.
Treatment of Keratomalacia
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments
Treatment of vitamin A deficiency and improvement of diet
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments can help cure an infection, but correcting the vitamin A deficiency and undernutrition with an improved diet or supplements is also important.
