Vitamin A Deficiency Eye Disorders In Children: An Overview

Vitamin deficiency continues to be one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiency diseases and most common preventable cause of blindness. This observational was conducted to study the clinical profile of vitamin A deficiency disorders among children less than 12 years of age. Out of the total 224 patients 127 (56.69 %) patients were of 5-10 yrs age. Male to female ratio was 1.6. In clinical presentation of vitamin A deficiency eye disorder conjuctival xerosis was found in 109 (48.66 %) that had maximum occurrence followed by bitot spot 57 (25.44 %), corneal xerosis 38 (16.97 %), night blindness 15 (6.7 %) and keratomalacia 5 (2.23 %). Out of 101 patients of under 5 year age, associated protein energy malnutrition was found in 77 (76.2 %) patients while, Out of 123 patients of over 5 years age, associated undernutrition was found in 70 (56.9 %) patients.127 (56.69 %) cases were partially immunized, 71 (31.69 %) were fully immunized and 26 (11.6 %) were unimmunized. Those cases who had not taken vitamin A in the last 12 months 118 (52.67 %) has developed signs of vitamin A deficiency. It was low in those who had taken 97 (43.3 %). From this study the incidence of eye disease in patients of vitamin A deficiency was high among school age and male gender with conjuctival xerosis being the most common manifestation. Was more common among malnourishe, unimmunized patients and those who had not taken any supplements of vit. A in the last 12 months.