Keratomalacia Overview

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Learn About Keratomalacia

What is the definition of Keratomalacia?
Keratomalacia is a disease of the eye caused by a severe dietary or malabsorption deficiency of vitamin A that causes changes in the cornea. Keratomalacia usually affects both eyes. Keratomalacia is rare in developed countries but can occur as a complication of any condition that affects absorption of vitamin A, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, or intestinal bypass surgery. In some developing countries, keratomalacia is a major cause of blindness in malnourished children.
What are the symptoms of Keratomalacia?
Early symptoms of keratomalacia may include night blindness, dry eye syndrome, decreased tear production, and progressive wrinkling, cloudiness, and softening of the corneas. Late symptoms of keratomalacia may include the appearance of dry, foamy, silver-gray lesions (Bitot spots) on the membranes covering the whites of the eyes (sclera); infection or rupture of the cornea; and blindness. Keratomalacia may be accompanied by other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, such as mental retardation; growth delay; dry, scaly skin; anemia; enlarged liver and spleen; and increased infections.
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What are the current treatments for Keratomalacia?
Treatment of keratomalacia involves correcting the vitamin A deficiency with adequate nutrition and vitamin A supplementation as well as identifying any underlying disorders that may be causing malabsorption, such as ulcerative colitis or liver disease, among others. Antibiotics and/or topical eye ointments may be administered to treat infections associated with keratomalacia, in addition to eyedrops to counteract dry eye.
Who are the top Keratomalacia Local Doctors?
Dr. Douglas E. Campbell
Podiatric Medicine
Dr. Douglas E. Campbell
Podiatric Medicine

Union Health Center Inc

275 7th Ave, Fl 4, 
New York, NY 
 (5.3 mi)
212-924-2510
Languages Spoken:
English
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Douglas Campbell is a Podiatric Medicine provider in New York, New York. Dr. Campbell and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Keratomalacia. His top areas of expertise are Athlete's Foot, Hammer Toe, Fungal Nail Infection, and Flat Feet.

Dr. David C. Ritterband
Ophthalmology
Dr. David C. Ritterband
Ophthalmology

North Shore - Lij Medical PC

210 E 64th St, 
New York, NY 
 (6.0 mi)
718-226-6110
Languages Spoken:
English
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David Ritterband is an Ophthalmologist in New York, New York. Dr. Ritterband and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Keratomalacia. His top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Cataract, Walker Dyson Syndrome, Corneal Transplant, and Trabeculectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Dr. Mohammad H. Dastjerdi
Ophthalmology
Dr. Mohammad H. Dastjerdi
Ophthalmology

University Physician Associates Of New Jersey Inc

150 Bergen St, 
Newark, NJ 
 (13.6 mi)
973-972-2020
Languages Spoken:
English, Farsi
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Accepting New Patients

Mohammad Dastjerdi is an Ophthalmologist in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Dastjerdi and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Keratomalacia. His top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Pterygium, Cataract, Corneal Transplant, and Vitrectomy. Dr. Dastjerdi is currently accepting new patients.

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