Saturday, April 01, 2006

Xerophthalmia secondary to alcohol-induced malnutrition.

Title
Xerophthalmia secondary to alcohol-induced malnutrition.
Source
Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.). 77(3):124-33, 2006 Mar.





BACKGROUND:

Xerophthalmia refers to the ocular manifestations associated with vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency can be caused by numerous disorders, including alcohol-induced malnutrition. The ocular manifestations of xerophthalmia include conjunctival and corneal xerosis (drying), keratomalacia (corneal necrosis/ulceration), nyctalopia (night blindness), and Bitot's spots (conjunctival lesions).


CONCLUSIONS:

Although xerophthalmia and vitamin A deficiency are more common in underdeveloped countries, their presentation in the United States may be induced by conditions such as liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, and alcoholism. This report summarizes ocular manifestations of alcoholism and presents a case of xerophthalmia secondary to alcohol-induced malnutrition and the role of optometry in its treatment and management.

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