Eye
Cornea
Keratomalacia
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 24 December 2020
Copyright: 2004-2024, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Keratomalacia [title]
Table of Contents
Definition / generalCite this page: Pernick N. Keratomalacia. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/eyecorneakeratomalacia.html. Accessed May 8th, 2024.
Definition / general
- Severe form of Vitamin A deficiency with diffuse, severe keratinization of mucous membrane epithelia, including corneal and conjunctiva epithelia (xerophthalmia)
- Leading cause of blindness in developing world
- Associated with secondary bacterial infection, corneal ulceration / necrosis, which causes corneal perforation and panophthalmitis
