VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY

SHAHIL HUSSAIN
MAYANLAMBAM SARDA DEVI
NAOEM RADHASHABI DEVI
OPTOMETRY 6TH SEM
WHAT IS VITAMIN
• Vitamins are organic compound that are essential for normal
physiological and metabolic functions in the human body.
VITAMIN A
• Fat soluble
• Essential for
o Immunity
o Growth
o Mucosal surface maintenance
o Cell differentiation
o Reproduction
o vision
 SOURCES
• Liver
• Butter
• Eggs
• Cheeses
• Green vegetable , carrot, orange, yellow fruits
DEFICIENCY- WHO STATISTICS
• An estimated 250 million preschool children are vitamin A deficient
and it is likely that in vitamin A deficient areas a substantial
proportion of pregnant women is vitamin A deficient
• An estimated 250000 to 500000 vitamin A deficient children become
blind every year , half of them dying within 12 month of losing their
sight
• It is a leading cause of childhood blindness world wide
XEROPHTHALMIA
• The term xerophthalmia reserved to cover all the ocular manifestation
of vitamin a deficiency , including not only the structural changes
affecting the conjunctiva ,cornea and occasionally retina , but also
the biophysical disorder of retinal rods and cones functions .
ETIOLOGY
• It occurs due to dietary deficiency of vitamin A or its defective
absorption from the gut . It has long occur as an isolated problem but
is most invariably accompanied by protein – energy malnutrition and
infections .
XEROPHTHALMIA CLASSIFICATION
ACCORDING TO WHO (1982)
• XN Night blindness
• XIA Conjunctival xerosis
• X1B Blind spots
• X2 Corneal xerosis
• X3A Corneal xerosis with ulceration
• X3B Keratomalacia
• XF xerophthalmia
• XS corneal scars from Xerophthalmia
Night Blindness
• It is the condition in which it difficult or impossible to see in low light
• It is the earliest symptom of xerophthalmia in children
• It occurs due to impairment in dark adaptation
• The condition may get worse if vitamin A is not taken especially if they
suffer from diarrhoea and other infections
Etiology of night blindness
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Congenital night blindness
• Pathological myopia
• Peripheral cortical cataract & corneal opacities
• Advanced primary open angle glaucoma
ROLE OF VITAMIN A
• Inhibits the production of rhodopsin ( the eye pigment responsible for
sensing low light situation ) found In rod cells of retina . It is
responsible for detecting light and transmitting signals to the brain
• In the absence of sufficient vitamin A the production of rhodopsin is
impaired , leading to reduce sensitivity to low light conditions,
specially at night . Therefore night blindness results
Treatment
• Vitamin A supplements:- If the cause of night blindness is a deficiency of vitamin A , the
treatment would involve taking vitamin a supplements . This cam improve the vision
• Dietary changes :- eating a diet rich in vitamin A can also help to alleviate the symptoms
of night blindness. Food such carrot , sweet potatoes , spinach etc
• Correcting underlying condition:- If the cause of night blindness is a cataract , surgery to
remove the cataract may be necessary . If it is caused by retinitis pigmentosa or genetic
conditions the treatment my involve management of the underlying condition
• Prescription eye wear :- wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses can help to
improve vision in low light condition
• Environmental changes :- Making adjustment to the environment , such as increasing
lighting or using night vision device , can also help to allwviate the symptoms of night
blindness
REFERENCE
• Comprehensive ophthalmology 7th Edition by A K Khurana . (Page no-
488-489)
• https://www.slideshare.net/dramp/vitamin-a-deficiency-eye
•
https://www.slideshare.net/reshma14695/vitamin-a-and-its-deficienc
y-61695509