Bitot's Spots are little white spots that appear on the eye
. The part of the eye that is affected is the conjunctiva which is the most visible part.
If Bitot's spots are left untreated they can keep getting worse, and eventually a condition called xerophthalmia is developed. This condition is common in children between the ages of 3 and 5, in several different countries. Starvation and a deficiency of vitamin A are thought to be leading causes of xerophthalmia.
If Bitot's spots are left untreated for too long then ulcers might develop on the eye. The cornea will then likely turn pulp like and blindness can occur soon afterwards.
If you see these little white spots popping up on your eyeball then you should talk to an eye specialist or opthalmologist. They will check to make sure your vitamin A levels are on track by checking your retinol. If you fall between the 30-60 mg mark then you are in the normal range. If your retinol shows up as below 30 mg then you are below what is normal and healthy.
The most important thing you can do to help with Bitot's spots is to improve your diet. You should be eating high quality food that is high in vitamin A. Doing this will help with some of the symptoms, including night blindness. If you have other serious symptoms you should also make sure your doctor is aware of them. These can include things like: diarrhea, ear infection, UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and skin sores.
Typically, you will be prescribed topical antibiotics to lower the chances of acquiring a secondary infection. Retinol palmitate can reverse xerophthalmia if massive doses are taken for 2 days in a row.
The symptoms of Bitot's spots are easily treated using natural rememdies. There are no side effects and they are completely safe to use. Bilberry, Rooibos and sutherlandia frutescens are often used to give the eye the extra support it needs to resist infection and disease. Your eyes will need the extra support so that your capillaries remain strong and a healthy blood flow will continue to circulate through them.
There are several things you can do to try to avoid getting Bitot's spots in the first place. Drink carrot juice, avoid smoke, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and avoid straining your eyes. Nothing is more important than your vision so be sure to take extra good care of it.