Condition Overview
Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Xerophthalmia. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.
NutritionalEyePrevalence Available
Nutritional/Eye
Xerophthalmia
Xerophthalmia is an eye condition caused by vitamin A deficiency, leading to dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea and potential vision loss if untreated.
5
Symptoms
4
Causes
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Treatments
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Prevention
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Symptoms
- Dry eyes and irritation
- Night blindness
- Bitot spots on conjunctiva
- Corneal dryness or ulceration
- Blurred vision in severe cases
Causes
- Dietary vitamin A deficiency
- Malabsorption disorders
- Chronic malnutrition
- Poor intake during childhood
Diagnosis
- Eye examination
- Dietary and nutritional assessment
- Serum vitamin A testing
- Evaluation for malabsorption causes
Treatment
- Vitamin A supplementation
- Nutritional rehabilitation
- Lubricating eye care
- Treatment of corneal complications if present
Risk Factors
- Childhood malnutrition
- Limited dietary diversity
- Chronic gastrointestinal illness
- Poverty-related food insecurity
Prevention
- Adequate vitamin A intake
- Public health supplementation programs
- Early nutrition screening in children
- Timely management of malabsorption conditions
Prevalence
Still seen in populations with significant vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition.
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