Ocular Manifestations in Avitaminosis

In a study on adult albino rats, ocular symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, such as xerophthalmia, ophthalmia, herpetic eruptions, congestion, and photophobia, appeared as early as the fourth week on a vitamin A deficient diet. The study did not demonstrate a loss of dark adaptation. Other affected organs included the skin, lungs, glands, and nerves, with associated symptoms like skin ulcerations, hair loss, lung congestion, reduced glandular secretions, muscular weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.