Which vitamin deficiency is MOST specifically associated with 'spring catarrh' (vernal keratoconjunctivitis) and dry eyes in children from underprivileged communities, and is targeted by national supplementation programmes?

• A Vitamin D
• B Vitamin C
• C Riboflavin (B2)
• D Vitamin A ✓

Explanation

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causes xerophthalmia, which progresses from night blindness (XN) to conjunctival xerosis (X1A), Bitot's spots (X1B), corneal xerosis (X2), and corneal ulceration/keratomalacia (X3). National Programme for Prevention of Nutritional Blindness administers biannual high-dose Vitamin A supplementation (100,000 IU at 9 months; 200,000 IU every 6 months from 1–5 years). Riboflavin deficiency causes circumcorneal vascularization; Vitamin D and C do not cause corneal disease.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.