Xerophthalmia Information

Xerophthalmia Information

Xerophthalmia is very common Iron Deficiency and Overload Disorders. Xerophthalmia can be defined as the A progressive disease of the eye due to deficiency of vitamin A. The corneal and conjunctiva become dry and thickened. Xerophthalmia may lead to blindness. Xerophthalmia results from inadequate function of the lacrimal glands which produce tears.

More information on Xerophthalmia

Xerophthalmia can also be defined as the extreme dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva, often resulting from a deficiency of vitamin A. The clinical features of Xerophthalmia is 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. When xerophthalmia is due to vitamin A deficiency, the condition begins with night blindness and conjunctival xerosis (dryness of the eye membranes) and progresses to corneal xerosis (dryness of the cornea), and, in the late stages, to keratomalacia (softening of the cornea).