Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency or Retinol deficiency is a nutritional disorder that results from the deficieny of vitamin A (a micronutrient). It can be due to primary deficiency i.e. due to insufficient intake or can be a secondary deficiency due to malabsorption syndromes, storage or transportation problems. Signs and symptoms includes impaired dark adaptation, night blindness, corneal xerosis, Bitot’s spots (shown in the picture), keratinization of skin and mucous membranes, dry skin, impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. The picture demonstrates Bitot’s spots which are dry silver-grey plaques on the bulbar conjunctiva. These patches are formed as a result of epithelial debris and secretions. Picture credit: https://glutenfreeworks.com/health/bitots-spots-3/