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 #Xeropthalmia #pathophysiology #ophthalmology #diagnosis #signs #symptoms
