Xerophthalmia, is a Vitamin A deficiency-

It is not hereditary- dietary deficiency.

However, in a test done with rats, there were some
signs that ingesting fat soluble vitamins or the lack of, can
have some genetic correlation.

Xerophthalmia is a medical condition where the eye fails to

produce tears.
•It is a severe vitamin A deficiency and is described
as severe dryness to the conjunctiva and cornea.

•The Cornea becomes dry and wrinkled.

•If untreated, can lead to corneal ulcerations.

•And ultimately blindness

•Rabbits developed Xerophthalmia on a Vitamin A
deficient diet for 4-6 months.
•1st change- lusterless graying of the central corneal
epithelium after 16-18 weeks
•2nd change-7-10 days after multiple small erosions on
the interpalpebral fissure
•3rd change- 1-2 weeks later keratinized plaque
developed
•4th change- cells began to flatten
•5th change- decreased number of microvilli
Rabbits are a good model for these studies
Usually affects children under the age of 9 in developing countries

Accounts for 20,000- 100,000 new cases of childhood blindness in these

countries

Largely found in Africa and Southern Asia

Develops over the course of a few months, as the lacrimal gland stops
producing tears.

Also, Bitot’s Spots may develop, which are clumps of Keratin debris that
build up inside the conjunctiva and leads to night blindness

Corneal ulcerations and complete blindness

Can also affect those who do not receive the adequate amount of vitamin
A.
•Can be associated with Sjogren' s syndrome- dry
mouth and dry eyes.

•Systemic lupus erythematosus-when tissues attack

its own immune system

•Rheumatoid Arthritis- Severe pain in the joints

•Scleroderma-disease of the connective tissue,
spotting of the skin, spontaneous scarring and
bleeding because of overactive immune system.
•Hypothyroidism-abnormally slow thyroid production

All are associated with one another

•There is no sex preference, only age.
Younger children in developing countries

•Minimum daily intake for vitamin A-

Children 1-3 300mcg
4-8 400mcg
Males 19-70+ 900mcg
Females 19-70+ 700mcg
Two types: Symptoms and Deficiency
•Symptoms: artificial tears, i.e., eye drops, and
increase humidity, and wrap around glasses when
outdoors
•Deficiency: Vitamin A multivitamin or supplement
•Eating foods high in Vitamin A
•However, treatment for deficiency can only go
so long until one may need surgical help.
•Submandibular gland transfer for severe
Xerophthalmia.
•In a test of seven, six of the seven were
successful in achieving revascularization.
1. What is Xerophthalmia?
1. Vitamin A deficiency where the
eye fails to produce tears

2. Are there any other treatments

besides High intake of Vitamin A?
1. Yes, Submandibular gland transfer

3. Who is most likely to be affected?

1. Children in third world countries
 Medicine.Net. "Definition of Xerophthalmia." 26 May 2003.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?
articlekey=6040

Paniello, R. C. "Supplemental Content."

National Center for Biotechnology Information.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2007.
Web. 28 Feb. 2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/172029
28

Vanhorn, D. L., and W. H. Schutten.

"Supplemental Content." National Center for
Biotechnology Information. U.S. National
Library of Medicine, 19 Sept. 1980. Web. 27
Feb. 2012.
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/74099
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