VITAMINS & EYE DISEASE

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of epithelium throughout the body. Ocular changes resulting from vitamin A deficiency (see Figure 15-23) are described in Chapter 6.

VITAMIN B

Vitamin B₁ (thiamin) deficiency produces beriberi, and 70% of patients with beriberi have ocular abnormalities. Epithelial changes in the conjunctiva and cornea produce dry eyes. Visual loss may occur as a result of optic atrophy.

Treatment is by correction of dietary deficiency with liver, whole wheat bread, cereals, eggs, and yeast, or with parenteral injection of thiamine.

Nicotinic acid deficiency (pellagra) is quite common in alcoholics and is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Ocular involvement is rare, but optic neuritis or retinitis may develop.

Riboflavin deficiency has been said to cause a number of ocular changes. Rosacea keratitis, vascularization of the limbal cornea, seborrheic blepharitis, and secondary conjunctivitis have all been attributed to riboflavin deficiency.

VITAMIN C

In vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), hemorrhages may develop in a variety of sites, eg, skin, mucous membranes, body cavities, the orbits, and subperiosteally in the joints. Hemorrhages may also occur into the lids, subconjunctival space, anterior chamber, vitreous cavity, and retina.

Treatment of vitamin C deficiency is with proper diet, particularly adequate amounts of citrus juice.

10.1036/1535-8860.ch15

Customer Privacy Policy Copyright ©2002-2003 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Notice. Additional credits and copyright information. For further information about this site contact tech_support@accessmedicine.com. Last modified: October 31, 2002 .