Keratomalacia - Deficiency Symptoms and Treatment

Keratomalacia is very common vitamin malnutrition Disorder hastened by protein-caloric malnutrition, and can also be precipitated by a systemic illness such as measles, pneumonia or diarrhoea. A severe deficiency of Vitamin A results in keratomalacia disease. It is an eye disorder that leads to a dry cornea . In some developing countries, vitamin A deficiency in the diet and associated keratomalacia are a major cause of childhood blindness. It is characterized by a hazy, dry cornea that becomes denuded and usually seen in children with vitamin A deficiency, characterized by softening and subsequent ulceration and perforation of the cornea.

Keratomalacia Symptoms

• poor vision at night or in dim light
• increasing softening of the corneas (i.e., keratomalacia)
• Bitot spots
• corneal infection rupture
• blindness
• vitamin A deficiency
  

Treatment of Keratomalacia

Vitamin A therapy and a protein-rich diet are advised for treatment of Keratomalacia. Topical antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection.