Vitamin A deficiency causes the eye condition xerophthalmia, a spectrum of issues starting with night blindness (nyctalopia) and progressing to dry eyes, Bitot's spots, corneal ulcers, and eventually irreversible blindness, making it a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, especially in developing nations.
It plays a key role in their vision and how it develops. Vitamin A deficiency is when you don't have enough vitamin A. This can lead to permanent blindness. However, vision loss from vitamin A deficiency can be reversed if treated quickly.
Bitot's spots: greyish foamy patches on the bulbar conjunctiva, usually in both eyes (specific sign, however not always present) Corneal xerosis: cornea appears dry and dull. Corneal ulcerations.
Without enough vitamin A, your eyes cannot produce enough moisture to keep them properly lubricated. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide. An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children become blind every year because of vitamin A deficiency.
Xerophthalmia is the clinical spectrum of ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency; these range from the milder stages of night blindness and Bitot spots to the potentially blinding stages of corneal xerosis, ulceration and necrosis (keratomalacia).
Xerophthalmia (zeer-of-THAL-me-uh) is a condition in which an eye becomes abnormally dry because it can't maintain an adequate layer of tears to coat its surface.
Because vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye (cornea), it is essential for good vision. Studies show vitamin A eye drops are effective for the treatment of dry eyes.
Hypervitaminosis A is relatively uncommon and usually arises from excessive supplementation or medication usage. The primary cause of toxicity is the consumption of substantial quantities of vitamin A through dietary supplements and foods.
The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases. Those diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Other common eye disorders include amblyopia and strabismus.
You can also get vitamin A by including good sources of beta-carotene in your diet, as the body can convert this into retinol. The main food sources of beta-carotene are: yellow, red and green (leafy) vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and red peppers. yellow fruit, such as mango, papaya and apricots.
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to corneal ulcers and bacterial infections. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness (poor vision in the dark). Doctors diagnose keratomalacia based on the appearance of the person's cornea.
One of the most important vitamin A functions is its involvement in visual phototransduction, where it serves as the crucial part of photopigment, the first molecule in the process of transforming photons of light into electrical signals.
Although vitamin A plays important roles in eye health, its relationship with myopia is not well-supported by current research. One study analyzed the degree of myopia in adolescents and young adults based on vitamin A intake but found no significant relationship [15].
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used for lowering hyperlipidemia or cholesterol and comes in prescription and over-the-counter forms; it can produce a rare toxic reaction called niacin-induced cystoid maculopathy, a form of retinal swelling.
The answer to the question, "Which fruit is rich in vitamin A?" is mango. Known as the king of fruits, it is also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, minerals, and fiber. A medium-sized mango provides nearly 75% of the daily vitamin A requirement. Mango reduces the risk of certain cancers and other diseases.
Patients with liver disorders or other conditions that hinder the proper absorption of vitamins can develop vitamin A deficiency. The vulnerable groups are infants, school-aged children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Tragically, Vitamin A deficiency is the primary cause of blindness in children worldwide.
The chemical name of Vitamin A is Retinol.
Thus, we can conclude that the chemical name of 'Vitamin A' is Retinol.
The eye signs of vitamin A deficiency
Major health organizations list thirteen vitamins:
Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. By adding foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, dairy products and liver, you can prevent the development of this condition.
Dry eye syndrome (DES), also referred to as dry eye disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), encompasses multifactorial ocular surface pathology causing discomfort and visual disturbances.
MOST SEVERE – Stage 4 dry eye
Your tear break-up time will be almost immediate. The symptoms will be at their most severe and frequent, and may include burning, painful, sore, itchy eyes. It is a possibility that damage to the ocular surface has reached a stage where referral to an eye hospital may become necessary.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, metabolism and cell development. It's an important factor in keeping your immune system and reproductive system healthy. Your body can't make vitamin A on its own, so you must get it through the foods you eat. Vitamin A is vital for your vision.