Why bitot spots are foamy?
Bitot’s spots are a specific manifestation of Vitamin A deficiency. These are triangular dry, whitish, foamy appearing lesions which are located more commonly on the temporal side. They mainly composed of keratin admixture with gas-forming bacteria Corynebacterium xerosis, lead to foamy appearance.
What is bitot spot in eye?
Bitot’s spots are the buildup of keratin located superficially in the conjunctiva of human’s eyes. They can be oval, triangular or irregular in shape. The spots are a sign of vitamin A deficiency and associated with drying of the cornea.
What is the meaning of Keratomalacia?
Keratomalacia is an eye (ocular) condition, usually affecting both eyes (bilateral), that results from severe deficiency of vitamin A. That deficiency may be dietary (i.e., intake) or metabolic (i.e., absorption).
What is Xerophthalmia disease?
Xerophthalmia refers to the spectrum of ocular disease caused by severe Vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Vitamin A serves several essential functions in the eye, and deficiency can lead to a constellation of ocular signs and symptoms that affect the conjunctiva, cornea, and retina.
Who Vit A deficiency classification?
Conjunctival xerosis
| Grade of xerophthalmia | Peak age group (years) | |
|---|---|---|
| XN | Night blindness | 2–6; adult women |
| X1A | Conjunctival xerosis | 3–6 |
| X1B | Bitot’s spot | 3–6 |
| X2 | Corneal xerosis | 1–4 |
Is keratomalacia reversible?
Corneal xerosis; may be reversible with vitamin A replacement depending on the extension of the disease. Corneal ulceration/keratomalacia; usually irreversible.
How is xerophthalmia treated?
The main treatment for xerophthalmia is vitamin A therapy or supplementation. It can be given orally or by injection. Your doctor may also give you other medications like antibiotics to prevent eye infections. Vitamin A therapy is used to treat xerophthalmia in adults and children.