xerophthalmia

(zir′äf t̸halmē ə)

noun

a form of conjunctivitis characterized by a dry and lusterless condition of the eyeball and caused by a deficiency of vitamin A

Origin: LL < Gr xērophthalmia: see xero- & ophthalmia

Related Forms:

See xerophthalmia in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Extreme dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva, often resulting from a deficiency of vitamin A.

Related Forms:

  • xerˌoph·thalˈmic adjective

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