Joanne R. Pompano
Xerophthalmia is an eye condition caused by a severe or prolonged lack of vitamin A. In this condition, the conjunctiva becomes dry, wrinkled and thickened. Eventually the cornea may become scarred and perforated which results in total blindness. Sensitivity to light is also a problem. (16)
It is estimated that as many of 500,000 new cases of this disorder are reported every year. Nearly half of these cases result in a loss of vision. (16) In fact, vitamin A deficiency is the second-leading cause of blindness in the developing world, according to Stephen McGowan, M.D., professor in the University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine. (17)
There are three major reasons why children in developing countries develop a vitamin A deficiency: l. the mother is usually undernourished with a low vitamin A content resulting in children born with low stores of vitamin A 2. there is little or no vitamin A (or carotene) in the diet of young children or 3. the absorption of vitamin A is impaired due to protein malnutrition. (18)
In India, 52 000 children are go blind every year due to vitamin A deficiency. A higher number of cases of Xerophthalmia were observed in lower socioeconomic status where there often was a low intake of nutrients and calories. The mother often is illiterate with a family of 6 or more. (19)
Improvised East Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and the Philippines have the highest incidence of xerophthalmia found in infants and young children. Complicating the problem, these areas also are pledged by various infections that further cause or aggravate vitamin A deficiency. (20)
The World Health Organization has made the prevention of xerophthalmia a top priority in developing nations. They have reduced the problem by providing high doses of vitamin A in capsule form twice a year. They recognize, however, that in the long-term they must educate individuals to understand the need for mothers and infants to regularly eat carotene rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, pawpaw, mangoes, yellow corn, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkins. (21)
