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Vitamin A deficiency in Nigeria
1International Centre for Eye Health, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College, London.
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency causes significant childhood blindness in Nigeria, leading to xerophthalmia. Addressing this public health issue is crucial to prevent avoidable vision loss in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Nutrition
Background:
- Childhood blindness is a major global health concern, with corneal opacity being a leading cause in Nigeria.
- Vitamin A deficiency, measles, and traditional eye practices contribute to corneal opacity, with vitamin A deficiency being the predominant factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the public health significance of xerophthalmia as a major cause of childhood blindness in Nigeria.
- To review studies on xerophthalmia, childhood blindness, and nutritional blindness in the Nigerian context.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on xerophthalmia and childhood blindness.
- Extraction of data from a nationwide survey on xerophthalmia prevalence.
Main Results:
- Vitamin A deficiency is the dominant cause of childhood blindness in Nigeria, manifesting as xerophthalmia.
- Corneal opacity, largely due to vitamin A deficiency, accounts for 34%-69% of childhood blindness.
Conclusions:
- Xerophthalmia is an avoidable and devastating cause of childhood blindness in Nigeria.
- Recommendations are proposed to control vitamin A deficiency and mitigate its impact on children's vision.