Xerophthalmia
Xerophthalmia is a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin A, which causes the eyes to dry. It’s more common in developing countries where people may not receive the proper nutrients their body needs. Malnutrition and lack of education on nutrition put people at higher risk of this disease since it could mean they may not have enough vitamin A. Some conditions may also contribute to the disease, like chronic diarrhea that leads to the depletion of the said vitamin and inflammatory bowel and liver disease that both cause vitamin A deficiency. Alcohol may also lower the level of this vitamin in the body.
Some symptoms of xerophthalmia include cornea softening, scars or ulcers on the cornea, night blindness, and wrinkling and drying of the conjunctiva. This disease is usually treated easily, especially if taken care of immediately. However, in rare, severe cases, it could cause blindness. To diagnose if you have this disease, your doctor would ask questions and your history. They may also check your levels of vitamin A. The treatment for this disease is vitamin A supplementation or therapy. They may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections in your eyes.
