xerophthalmia
Last reviewed 01/2018
Xerophthalmia is a major cause of blindness in children in Africa and Latin America.
- peak incidence is 3-5 years of age
- associated with vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition in general
Clinical features:
- night blindness is an early manifestation. Later, there is drying - xerosis - of the conjunctiva with the development of characteristic oval or triangular spots - Bitot's spots
- xerosis of the cornea is seen initially as a mild haziness inferiorly. This is followed by corneal ulceration with full thickness dissolution known as keratomalacia - there may be extrusion of the intraocular contents
Treatment:
- vitamin A therapy and a protein-rich diet are essential.
- topical antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Keratomalacia is irreversible and causes permanent corneal scarring
Diet supplements rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene should be provided in high risk areas to prevent the condition (NB vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of vitamin A embryopathy).