Guide To Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms

Bitot's Spots

First described in 1863, Bitot's spots are deposits of keratin that form on the conjunctiva of the eyes. A vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of these spots, and they are frequently found in pediatric patients in the developing world. Untreated Bitot's spots could lead to blindness. To assess these spots, the doctor will begin by performing a general physical examination. They will check the patient's weight and build to determine whether malnutrition or malabsorption could be present, and the physician will also need to palpate the patient's abdomen to detect potential liver enlargement. A detailed eye examination will likely include the Schirmer test, lissamine green staining, and conjunctival impression cytology to obtain more information about the health of the ocular surface. Bitot's spots typically respond well to treatment with high doses of vitamin A, and most patients experience a significant improvement in the spots within two weeks of beginning treatment.

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