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Bitot's Spots Information

Bitot's spots are spots located superficially in the conjunctiva, which are oval, triangular or irregular in shape. Bitot's spots are one of the oldest recorded medical conditions. It is a sign of vitamin A deficiency. Bitot's spots are most likely due to severe vitamin A deficiency. Bitot's spots are also known to occur in people with fat and vitamin malabsorption. The condition begins with night blindness and conjunctival xerosis and progresses to corneal xerosis and, in the late stages, to keratomalacia. Bitot's spots were classified as unilateral when they were located in one eye, bilateral-temporal when they were located temporally in both eyes, and bilateral temporo-nasal when they were located in the temporal and nasal conjunctive in both eyes. Bitot's spots are actually just the thickened, hyperkeratotic epithelium, typically at the limbus. Over half of the boys in rural Ethiopia have Bitot's spots of course their growth is stunted and their vitamin A levels very low. Bitot's spots are also known to occur in people with fat and vitamin malabsorption. Total blindness caused by tissue death due to a severe vitamin A deficiency cannot be treated. Corneal scars and blindness can be prevented if identified and treated early. Measles can be controlled by vaccination programs.

Causes of Bitot's spots

The common causes and risk factor's of Bitot's spots include the following:

  • Vitamin A deficiency.
  • Bitot's spots are also known to occur in people with fat and vitamin malabsorption.

Symptoms of Bitot's spots

Some sign and symptoms related to Bitot's spots are as follows:

  • Bitot's spots look like raised, triangular areas on the white area of the eyeball.
  • Night blindness can also occur.
  • Xerosis of the cornea is seen initially as a mild haziness inferiorly.
  • Eye ulcers develop and the cornea turns to mush (melts) if bitot's spots are not treated.

Treatment of Bitot's spots

Here is list of the methods for treating Bitot's spots:

  • Vitamin A therapy and a protein-rich diet are essential.
  • Topical antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

 

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