Vitamin A is one of the primary nutrients essential for maintaining general eye health; it ensures proper lubrication in the eyes, and aids sufficient moisture production. Vitamin A plays an important role in supporting the production of retinal pigments responsible for night vision.
Vitamin A deficiency results in inadequate production of nutrients in the eyes. It is one of the most common causes of vision problems, especially in children. The following are some of the important points worth knowing about Vitamin A deficiency:
Eye problems caused by Vitamin A deficiency
1. Dry eyes
Dry eyes are one of the most common complications arising from Vitamin A deficiency. Dry eyes occur when there is a dearth of lubrication in the eyes due to insufficient tears. The eye condition can occur in one or both eyes and can cause significant eye discomfort. Some of the common symptoms of dry eyes include a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, eye redness, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Vitamin A deficiency, in combination with other factors such as smoking and ageing might cause serious forms of dry eyes.
If you experience these symptoms, make sure to seek medical help. If you live in Kolkata, visit your nearest Disha Eye Hospitals. Recognized as one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata, Disha has a team of well-qualified eye doctors. One of the doctors could help you in getting a diagnosis of Vitamin A deficiency and choosing the correct treatment option.
2. Night blindness
Severe Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness; the inability to see appropriately in dimly-lit areas. The eye condition makes it difficult to move around, or do different activities in areas that are dimly lit. In most cases, the eye condition is significantly sensed when entering a dimly-lit room from a bright one.
3. Bitot’s spots
Bitot’s spots are triangular, oval, or irregular-shaped spots that occur in the conjunctiva, the white part of the eyes. In most cases, the spots are dark in colour and are associated with the drying of the cornea.
4. Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an open sore of the cornea and can be caused by Vitamin A deficiency. Depending on the severity, the sore may vary in size. Some of the common symptoms of a corneal ulcer include persisting pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, a sensation of something getting stuck in the eyes.
5. Diagnosis of Vitamin A deficiency
Detecting eye problems that appear as symptoms is the best and the most commonly-preferred way to diagnose Vitamin A deficiency. Doctors usually perform a thorough eye examination and assess the medical history of the patient as a procedure of a proper diagnosis of Vitamin A deficiency. In some cases, they may suggest getting your blood tested for Vitamin A content.
Treatment of Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A supplements are often the preferred choice of treatment. Eye doctors may prescribe eye drops and other types of medicines for any eye problem that has resulted from Vitamin A deficiency.
Disha Eye Hospitals have a devoted team of the most efficient, and reputed eye doctors in Kolkata who are trained in modern eye care technologies. Disha offers eye care services for different types of eye problems, including cataracts, corneal diseases, glaucoma, uveitis, and refractive errors.