keratomalacia
Noun: A medical condition characterized by the softening, drying, and ulceration of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This condition results from a severe deficiency of vitamin A and can be a symptom of underlying diseases that impair fat-soluble vitamin absorption, such as cystic fibrosis or sprue (celiac disease). If untreated, it can lead to corneal perforation and blindness.
This is a highly specific medical term used primarily in clinical, ophthalmological, and nutritional contexts. * It is used to diagnose and describe a severe ocular complication. * It is used when discussing public health issues related to malnutrition. * It is used in medical literature and case studies.
- The pediatrician was concerned that the child's night blindness might progress to keratomalacia.
- Keratomalacia is a medical emergency requiring immediate vitamin A supplementation.
- In regions with widespread malnutrition, preventing keratomalacia is a critical public health goal.
- The term is often discussed in the context of xerophthalmia, which is the spectrum of eye diseases caused by vitamin A deficiency, with keratomalacia representing the most severe, ulcerative stage.
- It may be referenced in differential diagnoses when a patient presents with corneal ulceration of unknown origin.
- Xerophthalmia (n): The general term for the eye manifestations of vitamin A deficiency, ranging from dryness to keratomalacia.
- Corneal ulceration (n): A broader term for an open sore on the cornea, which can have many causes, including infection or trauma, not solely vitamin A deficiency.
- Corneal necrosis (due to vitamin A deficiency)
- Xerotic keratitis (in advanced stages)
The definition strictly refers to the specific pathological process in the cornea caused by vitamin A deficiency. It is not a general term for any corneal softening; the cause (vitamin A deficiency) is inherent to the definition.
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softening and drying and ulceration of the cornea resulting from vitamin A deficiency; symptom of cystic fibrosis or sprue
