[Xerophthalmia]

Xerophthalmia results from an insufficient supply of vitamin A to the eye. Primary signs of xerophthalmia are conjunctival xerosis, Bitôt's spots with conjunctival xerosis, corneal xerosis, corneal ulceration with xerosis, keratomalacia. Secondary signs of xerophthalmia are night blindness, xerophthalmia fundus and corneal scars. According to the WHO 20 000--100 000 children in developing countries are struck annually with blindness due to xerophthalmia. With regard to the treatment immediate therapy with 100 000 I.U. vitamin A intramuscularly and 200 000 I.U. orally on the following day are advised in all cases of active disease. The doses should be reduced by half for children less than one year old. Prior to discharge from the clinic and additional dose of 200 000 I.U. vitamin A (children under the age of one year 100 000 I.U.) orally should be administered.