Keratomalacia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Have you noticed experiencing persistent dryness in your eyes or struggling to see clearly in dim light? These might be more than just regular eye discomfort. You might have a condition called Keratomalacia, which happens from a lack of vitamin A, often affecting people who are not getting enough nutrition. In this guide, we'll explore the causes, signs, and ways to treat Keratomalacia.

What is Keratomalacia?

Keratomalacia is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, becomes dry and cloudy. It often begins with severe dryness of the cornea and and conjunctiva (the membrane lining your eyelid), a condition known as xerophthalmia. If not addressed promptly, keratomalacia can lead to infections, rupture of ocular tissues, and eventually blindness. Such drastic complications underline the importance of early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

What Causes Keratomalacia?

The main cause of Keratomalacia is a serious lack of vitamin A.

This deficiency can happen for two reasons:

1. Dietary Deficiency: In developing countries where malnutrition is prevalent, people may not get enough vitamin A from their diet.
2. Metabolic Inability: In some individuals, the body struggles to absorb vitamin A, even when their diet is sufficient. This is often seen in those with conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases, liver disease, or cystic fibrosis.

What are the Symptoms of Keratomalacia?

Several tell-tale signs can alert you to the possibility of Keratomalacia.

The symptoms include:

• Night blindness, or difficulty adjusting your vision in dim or dark light.
• Extreme dryness of the eyes.
• Cloudiness in your corneas.
• Bitot’s spots, which appear as foamy, light grey patches due to a build up of debris lodged in your conjunctiva.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly for a thorough evaluation.

How is Keratomalacia Diagnosed?

To diagnose Keratomalacia, a doctor will do a medical exam and specific tests. They will first check your eyes for signs like dryness or ulcers. Blood tests may be done to confirm a vitamin A deficiency. An electroretinography test, that examines the light-sensitive cells of your eye could be used to firm up the diagnosis.

What are the Treatment Options for Keratomalacia?

Treatment for Keratomalacia focuses on two key areas:

1. Correcting the Vitamin A Deficiency: This can be achieved by improving dietary intake or using vitamin A supplements.
2. Treating Any Existing Eye Infections: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are usually prescribed for this purpose.

In severe cases where the cornea has sustained substantial damage, a surgical procedure called keratoplasty might be recommended. This involves a corneal transplant to replace scar tissue obstructing vision.

What’s the Difference Between Keratomalacia and Xerophthalmia?

Keratomalacia and Xerophthalmia are related conditions that both result from vitamin A deficiency. Xerophthalmia refers to abnormal dryness of the eyes, while Keratomalacia is a progressive disease that begins as xerophthalmia and can lead to the softening and can cause potential damage of the cornea if not treated.

Who’s at Risk for Keratomalacia?

Although anyone can develop Keratomalacia, certain groups are more susceptible:

• Infants and young children living in poverty-stricken regions.
• Malnourished individuals, particularly children.
• Individuals residing in developing countries with low dietary intake of vitamin A.
• People who misuse alcohol.
• Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), liver disease, or cystic fibrosis.

Being in a risk group doesn't mean you will develop Keratomalacia. However, if you fall under any of these categories, it's important to get regular check-ups and stay vigilant about your eye health.

What’s the Outlook for Keratomalacia?

In developed countries where diets are typically rich in vitamin A, Keratomalacia is relatively rare. However, for those in high-risk group or experiencing symptoms like extremely dry eyes or trouble seeing in dim light, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Understanding Keratomalacia, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, is key to maintaining good eye health. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications like blindness. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamin A might be your strong defence against Keratomalacia.

For further guidance on managing this condition or for general eye health check-ups, consider Metropolis Healthcare's Diagnostic Services. With our state-of-the-art labs and home sample collection service, we aim to empower you in prioritising your health.