Keratomalacia

Corneal Anatomy An understanding of corneal anatomy is vital to determine if serum therapy for the treatment of keratomalacia should be initiated. The cornea makes up the anterior portion of the globe and provides multiple functions for vision: it is transparent (despite originating from surface ectoderm), thereby allowing for clear vision; it acts as the major refractive (bending of light) surface of the globe; and it provides a protective barrier between the globe and the environment The cornea consists of 4 layers in domestic species, being approximately 0.45–0.55 mm thick in the normal dog. The corneal epithelium is the most external layer overlying the stromal layer, which accounts for 90% of the total corneal thickness. The corneal epithelium in the dog and cat is 5–11 cells thick and has a turnover rate of approximately 7 days. 1 The stroma is made up of collagen fibers, which are precisely arranged in parallel sheets running the entire diameter of the cornea, allowing for its transparency. The third layer is an acellular membrane (ie, Descemet’s membrane), which forms the basement membrane for the innermost layer, the endothelium. The corneal endothelium is a single layer of hexagonally shaped cells forming the internal barrier between the anterior chamber and the cornea. 2 Corneal Disease Corneal ulcers are classified by underlying cause. Common causes of corneal ulcerations include trauma (foreign bodies, scratches), desiccation (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, lagop...

• For good eyesight (especially at night) • To maintain skin health • To stimulate the production of white blood cells that protect us against infections • To regulate bone growth • To promote the health of cells lining the inside of our bodies • To maintain fertility levels in males and females But when our body is deprived of vitamin A, the health problems that loom are worrisome. Unfortunately, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious health problem among children and pregnant and lactating women in many developing or low-income countries. In fact, 250 million children across the world suffer from VAD. 1 It could even result in death when left untreated. There are many animal sources (liver, whole milk, cheese, eggs, and oily fish) and plant sources (colorful fruits and vegetables as well as greens) of vitamin A. When we don’t eat enough of these foods, VAD sets in, leading to various diseases. 2 3 VAD can also be triggered by inefficient storage, transport, and absorption of vitamin A. Adults with gastrointestinal diseases like celiac, bile duct disorder, or liver cirrhosis may be vulnerable. 4 Here are some VAD-related health problems you should be aware of: When vitamin A deficiency (VAD) becomes prolonged, other eye infections can set in and lead to blindness or even death. Children with acute VAD are also usually malnourished. Eating vitamin-A rich foods can cut your risk of developing eye problems like age-related macular degeneration and cataract. 5 Xerophthalmia ...

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Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. Advanced Search: • Use “ “ for phrases o [ “pediatric abdominal pain” ] • Use – to remove results with certain terms o [ “abdominal pain” –pediatric ] • Use OR to account for alternate terms o [teenager OR adolescent ] Search A-Z Keratomalacia is caused by vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A deficiency can result from inadequate intake, fat malabsorption, or liver disorders. Deficiency impairs immunity and hematopoiesis and causes rashes and typical ocular effects (eg... read more typically in patients with protein-calorie undernutrition. It is characterized by a hazy, dry cornea. Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer is a corneal epithelial defect with underlying inflammation usually due to invasion by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or Acanthamoeba. It can be initiated by mechanical trauma... read more with secondary infection is common. The lacrimal glands and conjunctiva are also affected.

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms) • Night Blindness • Vitamin A Deficiency causing Keratomalacia • Xerotic Keratitis caused by Keratomalacia What is Keratomalacia? (Definition/Background Information) • Keratomalacia is a disorder affecting the eyes, which is caused by vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency can affect a variety of organs in the body including the eyes • Vitamin A is important for the optimal growth of the skin, bone, mucus membranes of the stomach, intestine, and reproductive tract • Vitamin A is required to maintain the normal epithelium of cornea and conjunctiva. There is dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva with secondary ulceration and bacterial infection in Keratomalacia • The common signs and symptoms of Keratomalacia include night blindness, excessive dryness of the eyes, and corneal wrinkling. In case of complications, the condition may lead to blindness and corneal infection • Keratomalacia is treated through vitamin A replacement and eye drops to prevent eye dryness. With appropriate treatment and aggressive replacement of vitamin A, the prognosis is generally improved Who gets Keratomalacia? (Age and Sex Distribution) • Keratomalacia can occur in individuals of any age group; however, the condition is predominantly observed in infants and young children • The condition is observed in both males and females; there is no gender preference • The condition is more prevalent in certain developing countries wher...

Corneal Anatomy An understanding of corneal anatomy is vital to determine if serum therapy for the treatment of keratomalacia should be initiated. The cornea makes up the anterior portion of the globe and provides multiple functions for vision: it is transparent (despite originating from surface ectoderm), thereby allowing for clear vision; it acts as the major refractive (bending of light) surface of the globe; and it provides a protective barrier between the globe and the environment The cornea consists of 4 layers in domestic species, being approximately 0.45–0.55 mm thick in the normal dog. The corneal epithelium is the most external layer overlying the stromal layer, which accounts for 90% of the total corneal thickness. The corneal epithelium in the dog and cat is 5–11 cells thick and has a turnover rate of approximately 7 days. 1 The stroma is made up of collagen fibers, which are precisely arranged in parallel sheets running the entire diameter of the cornea, allowing for its transparency. The third layer is an acellular membrane (ie, Descemet’s membrane), which forms the basement membrane for the innermost layer, the endothelium. The corneal endothelium is a single layer of hexagonally shaped cells forming the internal barrier between the anterior chamber and the cornea. 2 Corneal Disease Corneal ulcers are classified by underlying cause. Common causes of corneal ulcerations include trauma (foreign bodies, scratches), desiccation (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, lagop...

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms) • Night Blindness • Vitamin A Deficiency causing Keratomalacia • Xerotic Keratitis caused by Keratomalacia What is Keratomalacia? (Definition/Background Information) • Keratomalacia is a disorder affecting the eyes, which is caused by vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency can affect a variety of organs in the body including the eyes • Vitamin A is important for the optimal growth of the skin, bone, mucus membranes of the stomach, intestine, and reproductive tract • Vitamin A is required to maintain the normal epithelium of cornea and conjunctiva. There is dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva with secondary ulceration and bacterial infection in Keratomalacia • The common signs and symptoms of Keratomalacia include night blindness, excessive dryness of the eyes, and corneal wrinkling. In case of complications, the condition may lead to blindness and corneal infection • Keratomalacia is treated through vitamin A replacement and eye drops to prevent eye dryness. With appropriate treatment and aggressive replacement of vitamin A, the prognosis is generally improved Who gets Keratomalacia? (Age and Sex Distribution) • Keratomalacia can occur in individuals of any age group; however, the condition is predominantly observed in infants and young children • The condition is observed in both males and females; there is no gender preference • The condition is more prevalent in certain developing countries wher...

Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. Advanced Search: • Use “ “ for phrases o [ “pediatric abdominal pain” ] • Use – to remove results with certain terms o [ “abdominal pain” –pediatric ] • Use OR to account for alternate terms o [teenager OR adolescent ] Search A-Z Keratomalacia is caused by vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A deficiency can result from inadequate intake, fat malabsorption, or liver disorders. Deficiency impairs immunity and hematopoiesis and causes rashes and typical ocular effects (eg... read more typically in patients with protein-calorie undernutrition. It is characterized by a hazy, dry cornea. Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer is a corneal epithelial defect with underlying inflammation usually due to invasion by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or Acanthamoeba. It can be initiated by mechanical trauma... read more with secondary infection is common. The lacrimal glands and conjunctiva are also affected.

• For good eyesight (especially at night) • To maintain skin health • To stimulate the production of white blood cells that protect us against infections • To regulate bone growth • To promote the health of cells lining the inside of our bodies • To maintain fertility levels in males and females But when our body is deprived of vitamin A, the health problems that loom are worrisome. Unfortunately, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious health problem among children and pregnant and lactating women in many developing or low-income countries. In fact, 250 million children across the world suffer from VAD. 1 It could even result in death when left untreated. There are many animal sources (liver, whole milk, cheese, eggs, and oily fish) and plant sources (colorful fruits and vegetables as well as greens) of vitamin A. When we don’t eat enough of these foods, VAD sets in, leading to various diseases. 2 3 VAD can also be triggered by inefficient storage, transport, and absorption of vitamin A. Adults with gastrointestinal diseases like celiac, bile duct disorder, or liver cirrhosis may be vulnerable. 4 Here are some VAD-related health problems you should be aware of: When vitamin A deficiency (VAD) becomes prolonged, other eye infections can set in and lead to blindness or even death. Children with acute VAD are also usually malnourished. Eating vitamin-A rich foods can cut your risk of developing eye problems like age-related macular degeneration and cataract. 5 Xerophthalmia ...

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