Approach in a study on xerophthalmia and nutritional blindness

Abstract

Introduction: Xerophthalmia (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is revealed as the dryness of the conjunctiva in relation to the membrane that covers the eyelids, and that covers the white part of the eye, and the cornea, that is, the transparent layer in the front part of the iris and pupil. In this, the production of tears behaves insufficiently or evaporation too much, and corresponds to night or nutritional blindness, which can be recovered with vitamin replacement therapy, without reaching an invasive treatment. Methodology: In the sampling process conducted, the sample was selected as probabilistic, simple random. Results:  A series of patients were diagnosed in the canton of Portoviejo, in the province of Manabí, which led to the definition of the scientific problem to be treated in terms of the diagnostic study of xerophthalmia and nutritional blindness in a sample of patients from the canton of Portoviejo. Objectives: The general objective was to deepen the description, analysis, and treatment of patients with xerophthalmia and nutritional blindness in the canton of Portoviejo. Conclusions: A series of techniques were applied for the diagnosis and treatment process, which were reflected in at least four clinical cases. Of all those treated, vitamin A deficiencies are one of the determining causes of blindness and xerophthalmia. Consequently, vitamin A deficient states are distinguished from other causes, and is the reversibility of ocular clinical expressions following administration with a specified series of doses of vitamins. Along with iron and iodine deficiencies, vitamin A deficiencies are included in the so-called hidden hunger. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Optometry and Nutrition. Type of study: clinical cases.