It is also commonly called as Dry Eye Syndrome. It is caused due to intense drying of eye surface and even due to the tear glands’ inability to produce tears which is also known as conjunctiva. This condition leads to dryness, ulceration and also keratomalacia ( it is the softening of cornea which leads to blindness). It commonly occurs all around the world, causing blindness to young children in a lot of places. However, it is avoidable or preventable.
What are the causes of Xerophthalmia?
It generally occurs in small children, if they are deprived of food which is rich in vitamin A and also when they don’t eat more vegetables.
It happens in older people also, especially when they suffer from systemic or autoimmune diseases like lupus, sjogren’s syndrome, erythematosus, amyloidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and vitamin A deficiency.
Even using medications like tranquillisers, anti-depressant drugs, nasal decongestants and antihistamines can lead to this disease. Also, chemical or thermal burns can cause this disease.
What are the symptoms of Xerophthalmia?
One of the symptoms can be a feeling of mild irritation and as if though some foreign object is present in the eye. Also, a continuous desire to blink and a hot discomfort feeling will occur. A sudden reduction in visual acuity occurs. After which, there will be an intense sensitivity to light. Other symptoms can include small plaques that are greyish coloured, oval or triangular shaped and also night blindness.
The eye’s white part becomes wrinkled and dry. There will be a loss of tooth enamel, bone, smell and taste.
Treatment:
An immediate commencement of the treatment can give a scope for recovery. Medications like topical corticosteroids, Restasis, doxycycline and oral tetracycline could be recommended by an eye specialist.
Taking vitamin A in recommended doses can correct the deficiency and leads to the healing of the eye. Taking green leafy vegetables and milk can be an effective diet.
