Bitot's spots are an early sign of vitamin A deficiency. These are best described as:
- A Corneal ulceration with stromal necrosis
- B Foamy triangular deposits on the bulbar conjunctiva at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions ✓
- C Retinal hemorrhages with hard exudates
- D Periorbital edema with chemosis
Correct answer: B. Foamy triangular deposits on the bulbar conjunctiva at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions
Explanation
Bitot's spots are triangular, foamy, silvery-white deposits on the temporal (and sometimes nasal) bulbar conjunctiva at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, caused by desquamation of keratinized conjunctival epithelium with superimposed Corynebacterium xerosis colonization. They represent WHO classification XB of xerophthalmia. Night blindness (XN) is the earliest symptom; keratomalacia is the most severe manifestation involving corneal destruction.
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.