Presented by - Vivek Chaudhary ( Optometrist )
Nava Drishti Eye Hospital, Itahari
Introduction
Vitamin A is a very essential nutrient for maintaining sound eye health.
Importance and Benefits
- Supports Vision in dim light conditions ( Prevents Night Blindness)
- Boosts Immunity System
- Promotes Healthy Skin
- Enhances growth and develoment in children
Causes of Deficiency
- Inadequate dietary intake ( अपर्याप्त आहार सेवन ): Diet low in vitamin A–rich foods (milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, fruits )
- Malnutrition ( कुपोषण ) : Under nourishment in children.
- Conditions like long standing Diarrhea (लामो समय सम्म हुने झाडापखाला ) may lead to loss of Vitamin A
- Infections : Recurrent infections (e.g. measles दादुरा) increase vitamin A requirement and loss.
- Improper infant feeding practices. (शिशुलाई खुवाउने अनुचित अभ्यासहरू )
- Poor socioeconomic conditions leading to malnourished diet.
Signs and Symptoms ( लक्षणहरु )
- Night Blindness ( रतन्धो ): Earliest Symptom, Difficulty to see properly during night and dim light conditions.
- Dry eyes ( सुख्खा आखा ): Burning, Pricking Sensation
- Silvery white, foamy, triangular patch of keratinised epithelium, situated on the bulbar conjunctiva ( आखाको सेतो भागमा चाँदी फिज जस्तो सेतो दाग )
- Corneal Ulcer and Scar (आखाको नानीमा घाउ र सेतो दाग बस्नु )
Management
- Seek Medical Consultation if symtoms appear.
- Preservative Free Artificial Tear Solution ( Lubricating Eye Drops)
- Vitamin A Suppliments ( Available at Health Post, Free of Cost ), dosages and frequency is prescribed by the medical/ nutrition practioner.
- Treatment of underlying conditions such as nutritional disorders, Malnutrition, diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Prophylaxis against Deficiency
- Short-term approach:
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- Periodic administration of vitamin A supplements. ( Nepal Govt. organises Vitamin A Capsules along with Albendazole feeding campaigns twice an year, BAISAKH and KARTHIK month)
.
- Medium-term approach:
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- Includes food fortification with vitamin A.
- Long-term approach:
Implies promotion of adequate intake of vitamin A rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, papaya, drumsticks, eggs, milk, liver, fish etc.
Sources of Vitamin A
- Plant - Based Foods
- Yellow vegetables : Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
- Dark Green Leafy Vegetables : Spinach, Broccoli
- Bright Color Fruits : Mangoes, Papaya
- Animal Based Foods
- Fish and Chicken Liver
- Dairy Products : Milk, Yogurt,Butter
- Eggs yolk
References
- K. Khurana, Comprehensive Ophthalmology 6th Edition
- https://www.pacehospital.com/vitamin-a-function-foods-sources-benefits-deficiency
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a-deficiency-symptoms
- https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/vitamin-a-deficiency
- https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6075249-0131-4052-84a4-c33b5961ab43/content
- Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal
