Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is necessary to improve vision, general eye health, and the immune system. In addition, it helps other organs in the body to function correctly. However, many eye problems are related to a deficiency in Vitamin A. These may result in some cases related to eye conditions like dry eyes (a common type of eye condition) and night blindness or nyctalopia (the inability of the vision to adapt to dark surroundings or dim lighting). Moreover, others, in extreme situations, could result to complete blindness and permanent damage to the cornea (responsible for protecting the eye surface.)
Dry and itchy eyes are sometimes associated with a lack of adequate Vitamin A in the body. This condition is called Xerophthalmia – an unusual dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea resulting in inflammation and irritation. This occurrence also strains the tear film (production of tears.)
When the deficiency becomes too severe, it may develop into other complicated eye conditions. For example, one rare symptom of VAD (Vitamin A Deficiency) is Bitot’s spots. These grow in the eyes of the cornea, and the conjunctiva is already filled with keratin (protein), making them thick and hard; then, these dark patches reduce clear vision.
