Definitions for xerophthalmiaˌzɪər ɒfˈθæl mi ə, -ɒp-
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
xe•roph•thal•mi•aˌzɪər ɒfˈθæl mi ə, -ɒp-(n.)
abnormal dryness of the eye caused by a deficiency of tears.
Category: Ophthalmology
Origin of xerophthalmia:
1650–60; xer-+ophthalmia
xe`roph•thal′mic(adj.)
Princeton's WordNet
xerophthalmia, xerophthalmus, xeroma, conjunctivitis arida(noun)
abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes; may be due to a systemic deficiency of vitamin A
Wiktionary
xerophthalmia(Noun)
A condition due to a deficiency of vitamin A where the conjunctiva and cornea become dry. The condition starts with conjunctival xerosis and night blindness and progresses to corneal xerosis and, later, a severe condition called keratomalacia.
Webster Dictionary
Xerophthalmia(noun)
an abnormal dryness of the eyeball produced usually by long-continued inflammation and subsequent atrophy of the conjunctiva
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Xerophthalmia
Dryness of the eye surfaces caused by deficiency of tears or conjunctival secretions. It may be associated with vitamin A deficiency, trauma, or any condition in which the eyelids do not close completely.
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