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How can vitamin A deficiency affect the eyes and growth?

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rickets, a nutritional disease — nutritional disease Children with rickets. The disease, which most commonly strikes children, causes bone deformities such as bowlegs. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining normal vision, regulating growth, and supporting embryonic development. A deficiency in this nutrient significantly impacts both ocular health and physical development.12

Effects on the Eyes

Vitamin A is a critical component of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment in the retina that enables vision in low-light conditions.12
* Night Blindness: One of the earliest signs of deficiency is night blindness, where the eyes struggle to adapt from light to darkness.12
* Xerophthalmia: If the deficiency persists, it can lead to xerophthalmia, characterized by dryness of the conjunctiva (xerosis) and the cessation of tear production.12
* Severe Damage: Advanced stages may involve the development of Bitot’s spots, corneal ulceration, and necrosis (keratomalacia), which can result in permanent blindness.12

Effects on Growth

Vitamin A, specifically in the form of retinoic acid, is vital for normal cell morphogenesis, differentiation, and overall growth. A deficiency is directly linked to growth retardation in children. Furthermore, because vitamin A supports the integrity of epithelial tissues and the immune system, deficiency increases vulnerability to infections, which can further impede healthy development.12