Question

Which term refers to the sign of severe Vitamin A deficiency where the cornea becomes dry and rough?

• A. Night Blindness
• B. Xerophthalmia
• C. Rickets
• D. Scurvy

Hint:

{Vitamin A deficiency} can lead to eye disorders such as {night blindness} and severe conditions like {xerophthalmia}, which may result in permanent blindness if untreated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth. A severe deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to various eye disorders. One of the most serious conditions caused by Vitamin A deficiency is Xerophthalmia, which affects the eyes and can lead to blindness if untreated.
Step 1: Understand Xerophthalmia.
Xerophthalmia is a condition characterized by dryness of the eye, particularly the cornea and conjunctiva, due to a lack of Vitamin A. Symptoms include:

• Dryness of the cornea
• Rough and thickened eye surface
• Bitot’s spots (foamy patches on the eye)

Step 2: Differentiate from other conditions.

• Night Blindness – Difficulty seeing in low light conditions.
• Rickets – Bone deformities caused by Vitamin D deficiency.
• Scurvy – Disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Since severe Vitamin A deficiency causes dryness and roughness of the cornea, the condition is called: \[ \text{Xerophthalmia} \]