Question

Which term refers to the sign of severe Vitamin A deficiency where the cornea becomes dry and rough?

• A. Night Blindness
• B. Xerophthalmia
• C. Rickets
• D. Scurvy

Hint:

{Vitamin A deficiency} can lead to eye disorders such as {night blindness} and severe conditions like {xerophthalmia}, which may result in permanent blindness if untreated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires identifying the medical term for an eye condition characterized by a dry, rough cornea, which is caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin A.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Vitamin A (retinol) is crucial for maintaining clear vision, especially in low light, and for the health of the conjunctiva and cornea. Let us look at the given diseases:

Night Blindness: This is often the earliest clinical sign of Vitamin A deficiency. The patient struggles to see in dim light, but the physical structure of the eye is not yet severely degraded.

Xerophthalmia: Derived from the Greek words "xeros" (dry) and "ophthalmos" (eye), this condition represents an advanced, severe stage of Vitamin A deficiency. The tear ducts fail to produce tears, causing the conjunctiva and cornea to become abnormally dry, rough, and thickened. If left untreated, it leads to permanent blindness.

Rickets: A bone-softening disease in children caused by Vitamin D deficiency.

Scurvy: A disease characterized by bleeding gums and weakness, caused by Vitamin C deficiency.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The condition where severe Vitamin A deficiency causes a dry and rough cornea is Xerophthalmia.