Opthalmology

Unit 7: Gradual Loss of Vision

6: Xerophthalmia (Vitamin A Deficiency)

Introduction


  • Vitamin A is essential for immunity and synthesis of the photoreceptor protein rhodopsin. Deficiency causes immunodeficiency and blindness.

  • Children are most vulnerable - Vitamin A deficiency is an important cause of childhood blindness in developing nations.
xerophthalmia

Xerophthalmia

Source: www.EyeRounds.org.

Contributor: William Charles Caccamise, Sr, MD, Retired Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.