Vitamin A Deficiency: How It Impacts Eye Health

Vitamin A Deficiency: How It Impacts Eye Health

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to various severe complications.

Vitamin A is crucial for numerous bodily functions and is found in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. Research indicates that it can help prevent certain cancers, support the immune system, promote bone health, and even prevent and treat acne. However, its significance extends to eye health, where its deficiency can profoundly impact vision and overall ocular well-being.

Vitamin A Deficiency: Impact on Vision

Vitamin A deficiency can result in several complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), night blindness often signals the onset of this deficiency. If untreated, it can lead to blindness by causing severe dryness in the cornea, thereby damaging both the cornea and retina.

Other eye-related issues associated with vitamin A deficiency include conjunctival xerosis, Bitot's spots, corneal xerosis, corneal scarring, and more. In less severe cases, individuals may experience dry eyes and an inability to produce tears.

WHO highlights that an estimated 250,000–500,000 vitamin A-deficient children worldwide become blind annually, with half of them succumbing within a year of losing their sight.

The repercussions of Vitamin A deficiency extend beyond eye health, impacting other aspects of well-being.

• Inflammatory Skin Conditions and Dry Skin: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to inflammatory skin conditions and extremely dry skin.
• Infertility and Fertility Issues: Both men and women may face infertility and difficulties conceiving naturally.
• Delayed Growth in Children: Vitamin A deficiency can hinder growth in children.
• Increased Susceptibility to Infections: Children may experience frequent chest and throat infections.
• Delayed Wound Healing: Slow healing of wounds is another consequence.
• Acne and Breakouts: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to frequent acne and breakouts.
• Negative Effects on Pregnancy and Lactation: Severe deficiency can adversely affect pregnancy and lactation.
• Impact on Bone Development: Vitamin A deficiency may contribute to slow bone development in children.

Food Sources of Vitamin A

Numerous foods are rich sources of vitamin A. These include carrots, broccoli, salmon, spinach, sweet potato, mango, watermelon, papaya, apricot, guava, tomatoes, milk, and eggs.