Question 1

What is Xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

Xerophthalmia is a severe dry eye condition that affects the cornea and conjunctiva, potentially leading to night blindness and permanent vision loss. It is caused by vitamin A deficiency, which prevents adequate production of tear film and damages corneal tissue. The Vitamin A (Retinol) test is the most important test for diagnosis as it directly measures retinol levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

Xerophthalmia is caused by vitamin A deficiency, which prevents your body from producing adequate tear film and maintaining healthy eye tissue. Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for the health of the cornea and conjunctiva, and without sufficient levels, these delicate tissues become dry, damaged, and prone to ulceration. This deficiency can result from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption disorders like Crohn disease or celiac disease, or conditions that increase vitamin A requirements such as pregnancy or chronic infections.

Question 3

What is the best test for xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin A (Retinol) test is the most important test for xerophthalmia because it directly measures retinol levels in your blood, confirming the underlying vitamin A deficiency that causes this condition. Low retinol levels indicate that your body lacks the vitamin A needed to produce tear film and maintain healthy corneal tissue. This test is essential not only for diagnosing the root cause but also for monitoring treatment response when you begin vitamin A supplementation to prevent further eye damage and vision loss.

Question 4

When should I get tested for xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience severe dry eyes, difficulty seeing in dim light or at night, or notice any changes in your vision quality. Testing is especially important if you have a limited diet lacking in vitamin A-rich foods like liver, dairy, eggs, or orange vegetables, or if you have digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption. Early detection through blood testing can prevent progression to corneal damage and permanent vision loss, so do not wait if you are experiencing persistent eye dryness or night vision problems.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

Xerophthalmia symptoms include severe dry eyes with a gritty or burning sensation, difficulty producing tears, and night blindness where you struggle to see in low light conditions. As the condition progresses, you might notice white foamy spots on the whites of your eyes called Bitot spots, corneal dryness and clouding, and increased sensitivity to light. In severe cases, the cornea can become damaged with ulcerations that may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Question 6

Who is at risk for xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for xerophthalmia include those with poor nutrition or restrictive diets lacking vitamin A-rich foods, individuals with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease, Crohn disease, or chronic diarrhea, and those who have had bariatric surgery. Children in developing countries with limited access to diverse foods, pregnant and breastfeeding women with increased nutritional needs, people with chronic liver disease that affects vitamin A storage, and elderly individuals with poor dietary intake are also at increased risk. Chronic alcoholism can further deplete vitamin A stores and increase susceptibility.

Question 7

What happens if xerophthalmia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated xerophthalmia progressively damages the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss or complete blindness. The cornea becomes increasingly dry and damaged, developing ulcers and scarring that obstruct vision. Corneal perforation can occur in severe cases, potentially leading to eye infection and loss of the eye itself. Night blindness worsens and can progress to total blindness, and the damage to corneal tissue may become irreversible even with later vitamin A supplementation. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent these serious complications.

Question 8

Can xerophthalmia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Xerophthalmia itself is diagnosed through eye examination by an ophthalmologist, but blood testing is essential for identifying the underlying vitamin A deficiency that causes the condition. The Vitamin A (Retinol) blood test measures retinol levels and confirms whether vitamin A deficiency is the root cause requiring treatment. Blood testing also helps determine the severity of the deficiency and monitors your response to vitamin A supplementation, ensuring that treatment is effective in preventing further eye damage.

Question 9

How is xerophthalmia treated?

Accepted Answer

Xerophthalmia is treated primarily with high-dose vitamin A supplementation to rapidly restore depleted levels and halt progression of eye damage. Your doctor will prescribe specific dosages based on the severity of your deficiency, typically starting with oral vitamin A supplements and potentially intramuscular injections in severe cases. Along with supplementation, you will need to increase dietary intake of vitamin A-rich foods like liver, eggs, dairy products, and orange-colored vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops may provide symptom relief while vitamin A levels are being restored.

Question 10

How can I prevent xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent xerophthalmia by maintaining adequate vitamin A intake through a balanced diet that includes liver, dairy products, eggs, and colorful fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and mangoes. If you have a condition that affects nutrient absorption, work with your doctor to monitor vitamin levels and take supplements as needed. Regular eye examinations can detect early signs of vitamin A deficiency before serious damage occurs, and treating underlying digestive disorders promptly helps ensure proper nutrient absorption and prevents deficiency from developing.

Question 11

What can I do at home for xerophthalmia?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment with vitamin A supplementation is essential, you can support eye health at home by increasing your intake of vitamin A-rich foods like liver, eggs, milk, cheese, carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. Use preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day to lubricate dry eyes and reduce discomfort. Protect your eyes from wind and dry environments by wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air, and avoid smoke and other irritants that worsen dryness. Always follow your healthcare provider's supplementation plan, as dietary changes alone may not be sufficient to reverse severe deficiency.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Xerophthalmia (Dry Eye) Blood Test

What is Xerophthalmia?

What causes xerophthalmia?

What is the best test for xerophthalmia?

When should I get tested for xerophthalmia?

References

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