Bitot's spots
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
Bitot's spots | |
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Synonyms | N/A |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Foamy, whitish spots on the conjunctiva |
Complications | Xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, blindness |
Onset | Can occur at any age, more common in children |
Duration | Persistent if untreated |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Vitamin A deficiency |
Risks | Poor diet, malnutrition, malabsorption disorders |
Diagnosis | Clinical examination, biochemical tests for vitamin A levels |
Differential diagnosis | Pinguecula, pterygium, conjunctivitis |
Prevention | Adequate intake of vitamin A |
Treatment | Vitamin A supplementation, dietary improvement |
Medication | N/A |
Prognosis | Good with treatment, poor if untreated |
Frequency | Common in developing countries |
Deaths | N/A |
Bitot's spots are foamy patches that appear on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. They are a sign of vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to night blindness and other serious health problems.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Bitot's spots are caused by a deficiency in vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for the health of the eyes, skin, and immune system. It is found in many foods, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. People who do not get enough vitamin A in their diet are at risk of developing Bitot's spots.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The main symptom of Bitot's spots is the appearance of white, foamy patches on the sclera. These patches may be small and isolated, or they may cover a large area of the eye. Other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency can include night blindness, dry skin, and frequent infections.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for Bitot's spots involves increasing the intake of vitamin A. This can be done through diet or through the use of supplements. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend a vitamin A injection.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
The best way to prevent Bitot's spots is to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of foods rich in vitamin A. Regular check-ups with a doctor can also help to detect any signs of vitamin A deficiency before it leads to Bitot's spots.
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD