Xerophthalmia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Deekila, a lovely 8-year-old, loved playing outdoors. She enjoyed it all the more whenever she visited her grandparents in Odisha. Lately, however,  she has been complaining about itchy, irritated eyes, especially during the afternoons. Initially, Deekila’s parents thought it was a sign of common eye irritations due to dust and dirt. However, how she used to chase her friends around the playground changed. And then, she started avoiding games that require good eyesight in the fading light.

Concerned, Deekila’s mother took her to the doctor. Upon close examination, the doctor revealed that Deekila has xerophthalmia, a condition caused by a vitamin A deficiency.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 254 million children suffer from vitamin A deficiency globally, with 2.8 million children suffering from early xerophthalmia symptoms. Not just this, xerophthalmia is the primary cause of childhood blindness, accounting for approximately 350,000 occurrences each year. In India, xerophthalmia remains a major public health concern. 

Why is Xerophthalmia Predominant in Children?

Xerophthalmia is predominant in children due to vitamin A deficiency. According to recent studies, the frequency is 5.4% in rural regions. Deekila’s mother further researched the prevalence of this disease in India. Surprisingly, she found that xerophthalmia is more dominant in rice-eating states, including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. This is because rice does not contain Carotene, a Vitamin A precursor.

Furthermore, research demonstrated a strong link between xerophthalmia and anaemia, with greater prevalence rates seen in children with anaemia. So, she studied to find more about the root cause.

What is Xerophthalmia Disease? 

Xerophthalmia disrupts the normal functioning of the eyes. In short, a lack of vitamin A leads to this degenerative eye condition. Dry eyes and tear ducts are a strong sign that you may have vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is the fuel for the human eye, keeping it lubricated.

She came across another common term that made her need clarification. It was keratomalacia. After further research  to understand the difference between xeropthalmia and keratomalacia, she found that xerophthalmia is a specific term for a group of eye conditions resulting from vitamin A deficiency.On the other hand, Keratomalacia is one of the conditions grouped under xerophthalmia. It is a subset of xerophthalmia, which softens the cornea.

Major Symptoms and Signs of Xerophthalmia

Deekila’s mother now started recalling the symptoms her daughter complained about. She found that the signs and symptoms of this condition start showing up gradually in a certain order/stage. Listed below are some of the xerophthalmia symptoms that you need to pay attention to:

• Conjunctival Xerosis: Conjunctival Xerosis is a dry conjunctiva condition. Thin tissue (conjunctiva) covers the inside of the eyelids and the white areas of the eyes. 
• Corneal Xerosis: The transparent layer covering your eye is called the cornea. When the cornea is abnormally dry, xerosis, the medical term for dry skin or membranes, occurs. 
• Night Blindness: Nyctalopia, often known as night blindness, is the inability to see well at night or in dimly lit areas like movie theatres or restaurants.  Additionally, adapting to settings that constantly adjust the lighting can be difficult.
• Keratomalacia: This condition causes clouding and softening of the cornea, which can leave scarring. 
• Bitot Spots: The white area of your eyes starts showing frothy, triangular, silver-grey patches. 
• Corneal Ulcers: The cornea quickly develops patches and may become filled with sores or holes.
• Xerophthalmic Fundus: This involves the development of sores (lesions) in the retina, which can also cause an unusual change in its structure. 

Xerophthalmia Treatment and Diagnosis 

Xerophthalmia can be diagnosed using one of the following techniques:

1. Complete Eye Test: Your eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes.
2. Dark Adaptation Test: These include specific tests that will determine your night vision, and dark adaptation tests assess how well you see in lower light levels and how long it takes your eyes to adjust to the darkness. 
3. Clinical Signs: Here, the doctor will evaluate the symptoms of xeropthalmia and signs that harm your eyes. 
4. Electroretinogram: This diagnosis will gouge your eyes' sensitivity to light. 
5. Entire Medical History: Your doctor will ask for your medical history, which includes details about your diet and food consumption.
6. Standard Blood Tests: These will determine the vitamin A levels in the blood.

For Xerophthalmia treatment, the doctor will initially prescribe vitamin A supplements. The doctor will recommend topical antibiotics and artificial tears if the infection is major. However, other conditions may need serious medical attention, depending on the severity.

How to Reduce the Risk of Xerophthalmia?

Although the doctor prescribed a list of medications to Deekila, her mother wanted to find ways to reduce the further development of the condition by natural means. The best way is to ensure sufficient quantities of Vitamin A in the diet. Some of the excellent sources of Vitamin A include:

1. Carrot
2. Fish liver oils
3. Leafy vegetables like kale and spinach 
4. Yellow vegetables like pumpkin and squash
5. Orange and yellow fruits like oranges and papayas
6. Egg yolks.

Will You Need a Health Insurance for Xerophthalmia Treatment?

Xerophthalmia, if untreated, can lead to severe and potentially irreversible side effects. The worst include corneal ulceration and melting, known as keratomalacia. The worst-case scenario is it can cause significant vision loss or complete blindness. 

In addition, the condition can also cause severe dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva and cornea, leading to discomfort and increased vulnerability to infections. These severe outcomes highlight the critical need for early detection and appropriate treatment to prevent long-term damage.

Over To You

Given the severe implications of xerophthalmia, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential. Care Health Insurance provides solid financial coverage for various medical conditions, including those affecting eye health. It ensures that individuals get early detection and care, access to timely medical emergencies, necessary medications, and specialist consultations without facing the burden of out-of-pocket expenses. All in all, it acts as a financial shield and helps you and your loved ones fit financially, emotionally, and physically. 

>> Also Read: 5 Nutrients That Will Protect Your Eyes

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.