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Xerophthalmia |
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xerophthalmia [‚zi‚räf′thal·mē·ə]
(medicine) Dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva, sometimes following chronic conjunctivitis, disease of the lacrimal apparatus, or vitamin A deficiency. Xerophthalmia an affection of the eyes expressed in dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea. It arises as a result of disturbance of tear secretion and chiefly of trophic disturbances. One of the immediate causes of xerophthalmia is avitaminosis A; it may arise in children when there are severe gastrointestinal diseases. The most frequent causes of xerophthalmia are trachoma, pemphigus, and chemical burns of the eyes. It is manifested by a sensation of dryness and pain in the eyes and heaviness of the eyelids; the cornea becomes cloudy and may undergo irreversible cicatricial changes. Vision is decreased. Xerophthalmia is treated by medication; good results are obtained by transplanting the excretory duct of the parotid gland to the conjunctival sac to restore moisture to the eye. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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