Keratomalacia

Keratomalacia is caused by vitamin A deficiency. If left untreated, it can lead to corneal dryness, dissolution, necrosis, and perforation, resulting in adherent leukoma or corneal staphyloma. It is more common in children under 3 years old, often affecting both eyes, and causes blindness in at least 20,000-100,000 infants worldwide each year. In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, the incidence in China has significantly decreased, but it is still prevalent in remote rural areas.