Bitot's spots are the buildup of
keratin located superficially in the
conjunctiva of human's eyes. They can be oval, triangular or irregular in shape. The spots are a sign of
vitamin A deficiency and associated with drying of the
cornea. In 1863, the French physician
Pierre Bitot
Pierre is a masculine given name. It is a French form of the name Peter. Pierre originally meant "rock" or "stone" in French (derived from the Greek word πέτρος (''petros'') meaning "stone, rock", via Latin "petra"). It is a translation ...
(1822–1888) first described these spots.
The spots may abate under replacement therapy.
In
ancient Egypt, this was treated with animal liver, which is where vitamin A is stored.
Causes
Major cause of Bitot's spot is vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
Rarely,
pellegra due to deficiency of vitamin B
3 (niacin) may also cause Bitot's spots.
Treatment
VAD is commonly treated with oral vitamin A supplements. Improvement of Bitot's spots is seen with high-dose vitamin A therapy. Bitot's spots non-responsive to vitamin A therapy may be removed surgically.
References
External links
Eye diseases
Vitamin deficiencies
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