What nutrient deficiency commonly causes angular cheilitis and keratitis in children?

      The eye is a vital organ of the human body, enabling us to perceive the external world. The cornea is a critically important part of the eye. When corneal abnormalities occur, they can impair vision and even lead to insomnia. Therefore, protecting the cornea and preventing keratitis is essential. What nutrient deficiency predisposes children to angular cheilitis-associated keratitis?

What Nutrient Deficiency Predisposes Children to Angular Cheilitis-Associated Keratitis?

Children are prone to angular cheilitis-associated keratitis primarily due to deficiencies in vitamins B, E, and A. The specific types of vitamins required for treating conjunctivitis depend on the underlying cause of the keratitis or conjunctivitis. Generally, keratitis leads to localized corneal edema, endothelial decompensation, abnormal refractive status, and significant declines in visual acuity and function. Thus, keratitis is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections or vitamin deficiencies; vitamin-deficiency-related keratitis is typically attributable to corneal softening and corneal edema secondary to vitamin A deficiency.

Conjunctivitis is often associated with deficiencies in B-complex vitamins or vitamin E. Its characteristic features include conjunctival hyperemia, edema, and damage to mucosal epithelial cells. Therefore, supplementation with B-complex vitamins is recommended to promote mucosal cell repair. Vitamin E administration effectively supports cellular nutrition and alleviates symptoms of both keratitis and conjunctivitis. Corticosteroid therapy may be used for keratitis but must be administered under strict medical supervision in a clinical setting. Typically, a 0.5% topical corticosteroid eye drop is employed as adjunctive treatment; however, corticosteroids are contraindicated once corneal ulcers develop, as their use may result in abnormal ulcer healing and exacerbation of inflammatory lesions.

Patients are advised to maintain good ocular hygiene and avoid rubbing their eyes with their hands, as this may worsen bacterial infection. We hope this information proves helpful.