Keratomalacia: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Keratomalacia | |||
| image = [[File:Bilateral_corneal_opacifications_with_sparing_of_the_superior_corneas_in_the_distribution_of_the_upper_eyelids.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Bilateral corneal opacifications with sparing of the superior corneas in the distribution of the upper eyelids | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Night blindness]], [[xerophthalmia]], [[corneal ulceration]], [[corneal perforation]] | |||
| complications = [[Blindness]] | |||
| onset = Can occur at any age, more common in children | |||
| duration = Variable, depending on treatment | |||
| causes = [[Vitamin A deficiency]] | |||
| risks = Poor diet, malnutrition, [[malabsorption]] disorders | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination, [[serum retinol]] levels | |||
| differential = [[Conjunctivitis]], [[corneal dystrophy]], [[trachoma]] | |||
| prevention = Adequate intake of [[vitamin A]] | |||
| treatment = [[Vitamin A supplementation]], supportive care | |||
| prognosis = Good with early treatment, poor if untreated | |||
| frequency = Rare in developed countries, more common in developing regions | |||
}} | |||
'''Keratomalacia''' is a [[eye disease|disease of the eye]] that results from [[vitamin A deficiency]]. It is characterized by [[cornea|corneal]] [[necrosis]] (death of cells and living tissue) due to the lack of [[vitamin A]], which is necessary for the health of the [[eye]]. | '''Keratomalacia''' is a [[eye disease|disease of the eye]] that results from [[vitamin A deficiency]]. It is characterized by [[cornea|corneal]] [[necrosis]] (death of cells and living tissue) due to the lack of [[vitamin A]], which is necessary for the health of the [[eye]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Keratomalacia is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of [[vitamin A]]. This deficiency can occur due to a diet lacking in vitamin A, or due to a problem with the body's ability to absorb the vitamin from food. Other causes can include [[malnutrition]], [[alcoholism]], and [[malabsorption]] syndromes. | Keratomalacia is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of [[vitamin A]]. This deficiency can occur due to a diet lacking in vitamin A, or due to a problem with the body's ability to absorb the vitamin from food. Other causes can include [[malnutrition]], [[alcoholism]], and [[malabsorption]] syndromes. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of keratomalacia can include [[night blindness]], [[dry eye syndrome|dry eyes]], [[Bitot's spots]], and [[corneal ulcer]]ation. If left untreated, the disease can lead to [[blindness]]. | The symptoms of keratomalacia can include [[night blindness]], [[dry eye syndrome|dry eyes]], [[Bitot's spots]], and [[corneal ulcer]]ation. If left untreated, the disease can lead to [[blindness]]. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of keratomalacia is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination of the eye. A [[blood test]] may also be done to measure the level of vitamin A in the body. | The diagnosis of keratomalacia is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination of the eye. A [[blood test]] may also be done to measure the level of vitamin A in the body. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for keratomalacia involves replacing the deficient vitamin A. This can be done through dietary changes, [[vitamin supplements]], or in severe cases, [[intravenous therapy]]. In addition, any underlying conditions contributing to the vitamin A deficiency, such as malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes, should be treated. | The treatment for keratomalacia involves replacing the deficient vitamin A. This can be done through dietary changes, [[vitamin supplements]], or in severe cases, [[intravenous therapy]]. In addition, any underlying conditions contributing to the vitamin A deficiency, such as malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes, should be treated. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of keratomalacia involves maintaining a diet that is rich in vitamin A. Foods that are high in vitamin A include [[carrots]], [[sweet potatoes]], and [[spinach]]. In areas where vitamin A deficiency is common, vitamin A supplements may be provided to prevent the disease. | Prevention of keratomalacia involves maintaining a diet that is rich in vitamin A. Foods that are high in vitamin A include [[carrots]], [[sweet potatoes]], and [[spinach]]. In areas where vitamin A deficiency is common, vitamin A supplements may be provided to prevent the disease. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Vitamin A deficiency]] | * [[Vitamin A deficiency]] | ||
* [[Xerophthalmia]] | * [[Xerophthalmia]] | ||
* [[Night blindness]] | * [[Night blindness]] | ||
[[Category:Eye diseases]] | [[Category:Eye diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Vitamin deficiencies]] | [[Category:Vitamin deficiencies]] | ||
[[Category:Malnutrition]] | [[Category:Malnutrition]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:08, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Keratomalacia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Night blindness, xerophthalmia, corneal ulceration, corneal perforation |
| Complications | Blindness |
| Onset | Can occur at any age, more common in children |
| Duration | Variable, depending on treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Vitamin A deficiency |
| Risks | Poor diet, malnutrition, malabsorption disorders |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, serum retinol levels |
| Differential diagnosis | Conjunctivitis, corneal dystrophy, trachoma |
| Prevention | Adequate intake of vitamin A |
| Treatment | Vitamin A supplementation, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with early treatment, poor if untreated |
| Frequency | Rare in developed countries, more common in developing regions |
| Deaths | N/A |
Keratomalacia is a disease of the eye that results from vitamin A deficiency. It is characterized by corneal necrosis (death of cells and living tissue) due to the lack of vitamin A, which is necessary for the health of the eye.
Causes[edit]
Keratomalacia is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin A. This deficiency can occur due to a diet lacking in vitamin A, or due to a problem with the body's ability to absorb the vitamin from food. Other causes can include malnutrition, alcoholism, and malabsorption syndromes.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of keratomalacia can include night blindness, dry eyes, Bitot's spots, and corneal ulceration. If left untreated, the disease can lead to blindness.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of keratomalacia is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination of the eye. A blood test may also be done to measure the level of vitamin A in the body.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for keratomalacia involves replacing the deficient vitamin A. This can be done through dietary changes, vitamin supplements, or in severe cases, intravenous therapy. In addition, any underlying conditions contributing to the vitamin A deficiency, such as malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes, should be treated.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of keratomalacia involves maintaining a diet that is rich in vitamin A. Foods that are high in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. In areas where vitamin A deficiency is common, vitamin A supplements may be provided to prevent the disease.
