Keratomalacia Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

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?

Distinguished in Keratomalacia

Dr. Charles S. Bouchard

Ophthalmology

Distinguished in Keratomalacia

Dr. Charles S. Bouchard

Ophthalmology

Loyola University Medical Center

2160 S 1st Ave,

Maywood, IL

708-216-9000

Languages Spoken:

English, French

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Accepting New Patients

Charles Bouchard is an Ophthalmologist in Maywood, Illinois. Dr. Bouchard is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Keratomalacia. His top areas of expertise are Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Erythema Multiforme, Fuchs Dystrophy, Cataract Removal, and Corneal Transplant. Dr. Bouchard is currently accepting new patients.

Experienced in Keratomalacia

Dr. Melissa B. Daluvoy

Ophthalmology

Experienced in Keratomalacia

Dr. Melissa B. Daluvoy

Ophthalmology

Duke Eye Center

2351 Erwin Rd,

Durham, NC

919-681-3937

Languages Spoken:

English

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Accepting New Patients

Offers Telehealth

Melissa Daluvoy is an Ophthalmologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Daluvoy is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Keratomalacia. Her top areas of expertise are Cicatricial Pemphigoid, Pterygium, Interstitial Keratitis, Corneal Transplant, and Vitrectomy. Dr. Daluvoy is currently accepting new patients.

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Experienced in Keratomalacia

Dr. Meenakshi Chaku

Ophthalmology

Experienced in Keratomalacia

Dr. Meenakshi Chaku

Ophthalmology

Loyola University Medical Center

2160 S 1st Ave,

Maywood, IL

708-216-9000

Languages Spoken:

English, French, Kashmiri, Louisiana Creole French

See accepted insurances

Accepting New Patients

Meenakshi Chaku is an Ophthalmologist in Maywood, Illinois. Dr. Chaku is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Keratomalacia. Her top areas of expertise are Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension (OHT), Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Cataract Removal, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Chaku is currently accepting new patients.