Keratomalacia is a progressive nutritional
disease of the eye, due to deficiency of vitamin A.
(That this term concerns effects on the cornea of the eye is indicated
by the prefix "kerat-" which refers to the
cornea of the eye, and also applies to other terms in this section - as
listed on the left).
Keratomalacia may follow from untreated xerophthalmia
(also described as "a progressive nutritional disease of the
eye due to deficiency of vitamin A" but additionally involving
very dry eyes, and generally the stage prior to - but which may lead onto,
keratomalacia).
Progression of keratomalacia involves the cornea
of the eye
becoming soft, and in some cases also perforated.
This is a very serious condition than may lead to blindness.
Professional treatment should be sought and the root causes addressed
- in addition to the symptons and discomfort.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
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This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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