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Keratomalacia – Root Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis.

Introduction

Keratomalacia is a pathological condition of the eyes which is caused as a result of deficiency of vitamin A. This disease causes scarring of the cornea and fibrotic deformity of the eyeballs. The role of vitamin A for the eyes is to maintain structures like cornea and conjunctiva. In Keratomalacia, there may be insufficient absorption or inadequate metabolism of vitamin A resulting in the defects. The cornea tends to become thin and soft so much so that it may get ulcerated.

 

Corneal ulceration

Keratomalacia, defined as collagenolysis, is the rapid breakdown or melting of the corneal stroma. Clinically, keratomalacia is characterized by a soft, gelatinous appearance of the cornea. This rapidly progressive condition occurs typically in response to corneal injury and involves infiltration of white blood cells. This disorder is bilateral and it affects both the eyes.

Keratomalacia affected eyes

Epidemiology

What are the Causes of Keratomalacia?

Keratomalacia is an ocular disorder that is caused by the dietary deficiency of vitamin A. This condition is caused by taking ‘vitamin A poor foods’ such as:

This deficiency disorder can also occur when the body is unable to absorb beta carotene and retinoids, or when the body is unable to convert beta carotene and retinoids to vitamin A.

Poor metabolism

Sometime due to certain body disorder due to celic syndrome, ulcerative colitis, heavy worm loads and sprue, there is poor absorption of vitamin A into the body cells. In such conditions our body is unable to absorb retinoid or beta carotenes, or sometime fails to convert beta carotene into vitamin A, as a result of which the patient become highly deficit in vitamin A.

Risk factors associated with Keratomalacia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Keratomalacia?

The signs and symptoms of Keratomalacia include:

What are the possible3 Complications of Keratomalacia?

The possible complications associated with Keratomalacia include:

How is Keratomalacia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Keratomalacia may involve:

Treatments and Medications

Vitamin A

Chemotherapy

Keratoplasty

How can Keratomalacia be prevented?

Keratomalacia is a preventable disorder that can be prevented by including the following in one’s diet:

 

Children diagnosed with measles must have adequate vitamin A rich foods, since they are at an increased risk for Keratomalacia.

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