Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are a health care professional

honeypot link

Keratomalacia

(Xerotic Keratitis; Xerophthalmia)

By

Melvin I. Roat

, MD, FACS, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Reviewed/Revised Aug 2022
View PATIENT EDUCATION
Topic Resources

Keratomalacia is degeneration of the cornea caused by nutritional deficiency.

Lack of tears causes extreme dryness of the eyes, and foamy spots appear on the temporal and often nasal bulbar conjunctiva (Bitot spots). Night blindness may occur.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
A Mulsin, A-Caro-25, Aquasol A, Dofsol-A
View PATIENT EDUCATION
NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz! 
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP