Guide To Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms

Keratomalacia

Keratomalacia is a progressive eye disorder involving the clouding and softening of the cornea (the clear part at the front of the eye). This disorder occurs in patients with severe deficiencies in vitamin A, and both eyes are often affected. At first, patients with this condition could notice extreme dryness of their cornea or conjunctiva, and Bitot's spots may form as the condition advances. Patients may also experience difficulty with adjusting their vision when going from a bright environment to a darker one. To diagnose keratomalacia, doctors will need to perform a complete eye examination, and blood tests will be required to check for a vitamin A deficiency. Some patients might be advised to have an electroretinography test so doctors can confirm the diagnosis. High doses of vitamin A are used to treat this condition, and patients will be prescribed lubricating eye drops and antibiotic eye drops to ease symptoms. If the cornea has significant damage, a surgical procedure called a keratoplasty may be beneficial. This procedure transplants a new cornea into the patient's eye.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can occur with a mild deficiency in vitamin A. Patients might notice their eyes feel as though they have sand or grit in them, and there may also be a burning sensation. Eye redness, eye fatigue, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light could develop, and patients may notice their eyes are very watery. Nighttime driving and wearing contact lenses could pose difficulties. If left untreated, dry eyes could lead to complications such as infections, corneal abrasions or ulcers, and eye inflammation. Doctors assess dry eyes by measuring the volume and quality of the patient's tears. If a vitamin A deficiency is suspected, the doctor may also order a blood test. Patients who have dry eyes due to this deficiency will be prescribed high doses of vitamin A, and artificial tears could be prescribed to reduce eye pain and scratchiness. Corticosteroids and antibiotics might be recommended to reduce eye inflammation.