Xerophthalmia

Vitamin A deficiency- 

1. Xerophthalmia 

2. Phrynoderma / Toad skin - Hyperkeratotic follicular skin lesions


Symptoms of xerophthalmia- 

1. Night blindness (nyctalopia)

2. Corneal clouding

3. Corneal xerosis (dryness of the cornea)

4. Conjunctivial xerosis (dryness of the conjunctiva)


WHO classification of Xerophthalmia:


Primary sign: 

X1A - Conjuctival xerosis

X1B - Bitot’s spot - On bulbar conjuctiva 


X2 - Corneal xerosis 


X3A - Corneal ulceration / Keratomalacia (<1/3 surface)

X3B - Corneal ulceration / Keratomalacia (>1/3 surface)


Secoundary sign: 

XN - Night blindness 

XS - Corneal scar 

XF - Fundal changes 


NOTE: Xerosis = Dryness 


Reference: 

1. Harper's illustrated biochemistry, 30th edition (International), P. No. 551 

2. Comprehensive ophthalmology, A K Khurana, 7th edition, P. No. 487-88 

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