xerophthalmia

IPA: zˈɪrɑfθˈæɫmiʌ

(ophthalmology) A condition due to a deficiency of vitamin A where the conjunctiva and cornea become dry. The condition starts with conjunctival xerosis and night blindness and progresses to corneal xerosis and, later, a severe condition called keratomalacia.

Examples of "xerophthalmia" in Sentences

- Give prophylaxis against xerophthalmia: vitamin A
The cornea becomes dull and pitted as in xerophthalmia.
Some other ocular changes are referred to as xerophthalmia.
Vitamin A (retinol) - for night blindness and xerophthalmia
Measles increases the con-sumption of vitamin A and often precipitates xerophthalmia.
Dry eyes (xerophthalmia, or nutritional blindness) is the most common cause of child blindness.
Children with measles are at especially high risk of xerophthalmia, and should be given vitamin A when the illness begins.
Lack of Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry-eye disease (xerophthalmia), night-blindness and eventually complete blindness.
Vitamin A deficiency in humans, as well as rats, was later shown to produce serious eye damage (xerophthalmia) and it remains a major cause of blindness in the Third World.
· In communities where xerophthalmia is common, give 200,000 units of vitamin A once every 6 months to women who are breast feeding, and also to pregnant women during the second half of their pregnancy.
Whole milk, eggs, and liver are also rich in vitamin A. · If the child is not likely to get these foods, or if he is developing signs of night blindness or xerophthalmia, give him vitamin A, 200,000 units (60 mg. retinol, in capsule or liquid) once every 6 months.