Blindness due to vitamin A deficiency

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in most developing countries, contributing to a considerable proportion of preventable blindness in young children. The condition is particularly serious during the post-weaning stage in socially and economically deprived areas and is frequently associated with protein-energy malnutrition. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is very high in the countries of South East Asia. It is estimated that in India alone, there may be over one million cases of blindness arising from vitamin A deficiency. In human terms, the cost of blindness is incalculable. In economic terms, it is staggering. And yet this condition has not received the attention it deserves from public health workers. This is most unfortunate since vitamin A deficiency is easily preventable within the current economic framework of most developing countries.