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Xerophthalmia: Vitamin-A-deficiency eye disorder

What is Xerophthalmia?   Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye condition that results from severe deficient levels of vitamin A in the blood and is characterised by dryness of the eye.  Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that nourishes our eyes. Good eye has good tear duct functioning. When the tear glands work effectively, the eyes get lubricated enough and thus get the frontline defense system.   When the tear glands are less active or inactive the eyes do not produce tears and this makes it dry. Cornea the first transparent layer becomes dry easily as it is in the contact with the outer air. This may cause corneal ulcer or erosion.  In Xerophthalmia the tear production decreases due to the less amount of Vitamin A.  Conjunctiva and cornea dry up easily and then start to form wrinkles. These changes in the cornea and conjunctiva start producing symptoms.  If not treated promptly it can lead to night blindness, formation of spots on the eye and...