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DESCRIPTION
Bitot's spots are distinct elevated white patches on the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers most of the visible part of the eye. They may signify a severe deficiency of vitamin A.
Xerophthalmia is a major cause of blindness in children in Africa and Latin America.
- Peak incidence is 3-5 years of age.
- Associated with vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition in general.
Clinical Features:
- Night blindness is an early manifestation. Later, there is drying - xerosis - of the conjunctiva with the development of characteristic oval or triangular spots - Bitot's spots.
- Xerosis of the cornea is seen initially as a mild haziness inferiorly. This is followed by corneal ulceration with full thickness dissolution known as keratomalacia - there may be extrusion of the intraocular contents.
Courtesy of www.opt.indiana.edu
SIGNS OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY
Vitamin A deficiency results in atrophy and keratinisation of epithelium, leading to:
- Dry skin and hair.
- Increased incidence of ear, sinus, respiratory, urinary, and digestive infection.
- Inability to gain weight.
- Drying of the cornea with ulceration - xerophthalmia.
- Nervous disorders.
- Skin sores.
- There may be night blindness or decreased ability for dark adaptation.
VITAMIN A & PREGNANCY
There is concern that excessive quantities of vitamin A may have a teratogenic effect. Two metabolites (trans-retinoic acid - RA, tretinoin, and 13-cis retinoic acid - CRA, isotretinoin) are believed to be responsible for this.
There are no convincing cases of a fetus being deformed as a result of excessive vitamin A intake from food, however, pregnant women have been warned against eating liver.
Women can be assured that eating a balanced diet which does not include liver will provide an adequate vitamin A intake. See MoonDragon's Nutritional Pages for more information about pregnancy and nutrition.
There is no reason to change the normal provision of vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy, under the supervision of a health care provider or a midwife, provided women are advised of the importance of keeping to the recommended dose.
There have been reports of undesirable side-effects following massive doses of vitamin A supplements in infancy.
TREATMENT
Topical antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Keratomalacia is irreversible and causes permanent corneal scarring.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
Vitamin A therapy and a protein-rich diet are essential.
Dietary supplements rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene should be provided in high risk areas to prevent the condition. High doses of vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy because the risk of vitamin A embryopathy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Increase your intake of vitamin A. See Vitamin A and the Carotenoids for more information about this vitamin supplement.
Avoid eyestrain and smoke-filled rooms.
Drink fresh carrot juice. This can help to prevent or alleviate some eye problems. Taking two tablespoons of cod liver oil daily can also be helpful. Both are rich in vitamin A.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Juicing
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Nutritional supplementation is important for people with Bitot's spots and xerophthalmia. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years of age, use 1/2 the recommended dosage, and for a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Vitamin A
Plus
Carotenoid ComplexTherapeutic Beta Carotene Doses: 100,000 IU daily for 2 weeks, then 50,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 25,000 IU daily.
For Vitamin A Doses: 25,000 IU for 2 weeks, then 15,000 daily for 1 month, the reduce to 10,000 IU daily.
If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
For Carotene Complex: As directed on label.Aids in dissolution of Bitot's spots, which may be caused by a vitamin A deficiency. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety at higher doses.
Nature's Way Natural Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Dry Vitamin A & D, Nature's Way, 15,000 IU / 400 IU, 100 Caps,
Vitamin A, Fish Liver Oil, NOW Foods, 25,000 IU, 250 SoftGels,
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsPlus
LuteinAs directed on label. Lutein can help protect the retina from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and free radicals. Needed for all eye disorders.
Lutein Supplement, Nature's Way, 20 mg, 60 Softgels,
Lutein Esters, 20 mg, 60 SoftgelsAnd
ZeaxanthinAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene,
EYE CARE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for Bitot's sposts, which are superficial, irregularly-shaped foamy gray or white patches that appear on the conjuctiva, the membrane that covers most of the eyeball.
Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa-Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10x extract of fresh green Alfalfa leaves.Antioxidant Formula, Antioxidant Supplement, All Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Antioxidant Formula Antioxidant Supplement is 100% natural.Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella Salina.CamoClear Soothing Eye Wash, Herbal Eye Wash, CamoCare, 10 Single Use Droppers
CamoClear Soothing Herbal Eye wash gives you instant, natural and long lasting relief for dry, tired or irritated eyes, due to dust, pollen, pollution, smoke irritants, sun glare, wind, swimming, air conditioning/heating and computer work.Clear Eye Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
To nurture the eye and pacify the nervous system, protect retina, and improve eyesight.Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaozhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Eye Doctor recommended Similasan Eye Drops for dry, red eyes stimulate the eye's natural ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age, contact lens wear, etc.Echinacea Root Complex, Nature's Way, 180 Caps
Echinacea Root Complex helps promote general well-being during the cold and flu season and support the immune system.Echinacea Tincture, Nature's Way, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
Modern scientific studies now validate Echinacea's traditional usage as a topical agent to help the body repair skin wounds, and internally to enhance the immune system.Eyebright Herb Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Eyebright herb helpful for sore, itchy eyes. May be taken internally or used externally as an eyewash or compress.EyeFactor HAÖ for Healthy Vision with HA, Hyalogic, 120 Count
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Health Care Provider Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.Fisol Fish Oil Supplement, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Softgels
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.Garlicin HC, Healthy Circulation Formula With Odor Free Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 90 Enteric Coated Tabs
Garlicin HC garlic supplement supports cardiovascular health with the help of hawthorn, cayenne and vitamin E.Goldenseal Root Tincture (Hydrastis Canadensis), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Uses include Adrenal Glands; Eye Problems; Fainting; Gallbladder; Gallstones; Nephritis; Pancreatic Disorders; Peritonitis; Poison Ivy/Oak; Prostate Problems; Psoriasis; Pyorrhea; Quinsy,;Scarlet Fever; Spinal Meningitis (sometimes referred to simply as Meningitis); Spleen; WoundsGrapefruit Seed Extract Liquid Concentrate, 4 fl. oz.
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments.Irwin Naturals Immune Shield, Immune System Support, 100 GelCaps
Irwin Naturals multi-herb complex addresses two key areas, immune support and bacterial/viral control.Lutein Esters, NOW Foods, 20 mg, 60 Softgels
Lutein is the active carotenoid in this potent, natural source antioxidant.Marshmallow Root Tincture, 100% organic, 2 fl. oz.
The primary use of Marshmallow root is to relieve digestive and respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and asthma.Multi-Mineral Optimum Complex, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Multi Mineral Optimum Complex offers a complete carefully dosed blend of minerals vital to the body. This multi Mineral Optimum Complex provides nutritional support for normal bone development, muscle function, reproduction and metabolism.Multi-Vitamin Without Iron, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
The vitamins and minerals in this Multi-Vitamin without Iron play many important roles in the body: antioxidants to protect fats, cells and DNA, coenzyme precursors for energy production and metabolism, and cofactors for hormones and enzymes which regulate body processes.Nature's Way Ginkgold Eyes Plus Lutein, 20 mg, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brainOnce Daily Multi-Vitamin With Iron, All Natural, Lactose Free, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin with Iron provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.Passion Flower Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Passion Flower is a powerful relaxant to the nervous system important in the treatments of anxiety, tension and insomnia.Red clover Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Red clover is used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and weak lungs.Red Raspberry Tea, NOW Foods, 30 Tea Bags
NOW Foods delicious Red Raspberry Tea will engage your senses.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz.
Silver Biotics was tested by researchers and was found to kill every strain of bacteria that it was tested against and that these bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics, cause many human ailments.Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is not utilized in protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-100 Complex, With Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
A complete Vitamin B complex of 8 essential vitamins. B Vitamins are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.Vitamin B-12 Supplements & Products
An assortment of various B-12 products.Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way chelated Zinc supplement is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
HerbalRemedies: Eye Problem Information
HerbalRemedies: Bitot's Spots Supplements, Information & Products
HerbalRemedies: Bitot's Spots Information
HerbalRemedies: Dry Eye Syndrome Supplements, Information & Products
HerbalRemedies: Dry Eye Syndrome Information
HerbalRemedies: Enzymes & Digestive Enzyme Supplements
NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect a vitamin A deficiency.
You have any increase of symptoms.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed. Vitamin A toxicity is a potential problem when using high doses of vitamin A. If you are pregnant, do not exceed recommended dosages.
You should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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