Clinical Classification of Xerophthalmia

Description

Patients with vitamin A deficiency develop a number of ocular changes that correlate with the degree of deficiency. Recognition of the clinical findings should prompt confirmatory testing and nutritional intervention in order to prevent irreversible injury.

Clinical Finding	Designation
night blindness (nyctalopia)	XN
conjunctival xerosis	X1A
Bitot's spots	X1B
corneal xerosis	X2
corneal ulceration/keratomalacia involving < 1/3rd of the corneal surface	X3A
corneal ulceration/keratomalacia involving >= 1/3rd of the corneal surface	X3B
corneal scar	XS
xerophthalmic fundus	XF

where:

• Xerosis = abnormal dry appearance, associated with squamous metaplasia, loss of goblet cells and hyperkeratosis.

• Bitot's spots/patches = xerotic spots on the conjunctiva, formed by tangles of keratin sometimes admixed with fungi or bacteria

• Keratomalacia = softening of the cornea with necrosis leading to corneal ulceration and perforation

• Xerophthalmic fundus = defects in the fundus with visual loss, deficits in color vision, or other visual impairments

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.

Description

Specialty

ICD-10