Xeropthalmia: Pathogenesis and Ocular Manifestations



Decr Visual pigment -> Keratinization, thickening & non-wetting of the conjunctiva  -> Goblet cell loss & Decr surface expression of mucins with reduced tear production -> Corneal ulceration or keratomalacia (focal melting) -> Retinopathy



=> Xerophthalmia - abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, typically associated with vitamin A deficiency



 • Conjunctival xerosis (dryness of the conjunctiva)

 • Bitot's spots (triangular patches of foamy keratinized epithelium)

 • Perforation

 • Loss of the eye

 • Phthisis bulbi (shrunken, non-functional eye)

 • Nyctalopia (night blindness)

 • Corneal xerosis (dryness of the cornea)

 • Yellowish peripheral dots

 • Decr electroretinogram amplitude



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