Hypovitaminosis a (xerophthalmia)

General: Deficient serum levels of vitamin A; principal cause of infant 838b19i ile blindness in the world; due to insufficient intake of vitamin A or interference with its absorption from the intestinal tract; transport or storage in the liver; obstruction of biliary tract or pancreatic ducts.

Ocular: Bitot spot; xerosis; keratomalacia; keratitis; corneal perforation and ulcer; corneal opacity; hyperkeratosis; retinal degeneration; scotoma.

Clinical: Inadequate dietary intake or interference with absorptive storage or transport capacities, as occurs in liver disease, sprue, regional enteritis, and chronic gastroenteritis; respiratory infection; diarrhea; reduced childhood mortality.

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Sommer A, Emran N. Topical retinoic acid in the treatment of corneal xerophthalmia. Am J Ophthalmol 1978; 86: 615-617.

Sommer A, et al. Vitamin-A-responsive panocular xerophthalmia in a healthy adult. Arch Ophthalmol 1978; 96: 1630-l634.

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