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Ophthalmologist, ocular surgeon

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Xerophthalmia

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021

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Xerophthalmia (xerotic keratitis, keratomalacia) is a degeneration of the cornea caused by a nutritional deficiency.

Xerophthalmia is usually caused by insufficiency of vitamin A and insufficient caloric protein diet. It is characterized by a clouded dry cornea, de-epithelialization occurs. Often there is a ulceration of the cornea with secondary infection. Also affected are lacrimal glands and conjunctiva. The absence of a tear causes excessive dryness of the eyes and a foamy discharge, appearing on the temporal side and often the nasal conjunctiva of the eyeball (Bitot stains). Night blindness may occur.

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