In simple words: Vitamin A deficiency means your body doesn't have enough vitamin A to work properly. This can cause problems with your eyesight, like trouble seeing in the dark (night blindness). It can also make your eyes, skin, and other parts of your body dry and more prone to infections. In severe cases, it can even cause blindness.

Vitamin A deficiency, also known as retinol deficiency, is a condition characterized by insufficient levels of vitamin A in the body. This can lead to a range of symptoms, primarily affecting the eyes, skin, and immune system. Early signs include night blindness and dry eyes (xerophthalmia). As the deficiency progresses, it can cause corneal damage (keratomalacia), ultimately leading to blindness. Skin dryness, scaling, and increased susceptibility to infections are also common manifestations.

Example 1: A child in a developing country with a diet primarily consisting of rice presents with night blindness, dry eyes, and frequent infections. Diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency is made based on clinical findings and dietary history., An adult with a history of malabsorption syndrome experiences increasing difficulty seeing in low light, along with dry skin and recurring respiratory infections. Blood tests reveal low vitamin A levels, confirming the diagnosis., An infant with measles develops severe eye complications, including corneal ulceration. Vitamin A deficiency is identified as a contributing factor, and high-dose supplementation is initiated as part of the treatment plan.

Documentation should include details of the patient's symptoms (e.g., night blindness, xerophthalmia, skin changes), dietary history, results of any relevant examinations (e.g., eye exam, blood tests), and the treatment plan.

** Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health concern in developing countries. Global efforts focus on prevention through vitamin A supplementation programs and promotion of diets rich in vitamin A or its precursors, such as beta-carotene.