Vitamin a deficiency leads to a variety of disorders of the eyes and this effects the vision. Some of the disorders due to vitamin A deficiency are given below.
1) Night Blindness : The person cannot see the objects in dim light and in nights.
2) Xeropthalmia or dry eyes : The lachrymal glands in the eyes do not produce tears. The conjuctiva or the outer most layer of the eye becomes dry.
3) The cornea becomes soft and bursts open. This leads to the loss of vision and permanent blindness.
4) Reproductive functions may also be affected in vitamin A deficiency.
5) The various agencies can motivate people to eradicate blindness due to the deficiency of vitamin A. They are:
6) School teachers should impress upon the school children to alter diets suitably.
7) Village guides, local dayees, Anganwadi workers, youth leaders should motivate parents and the members of the society about the need to pay attention.
8) Primary Health Centres, Maternal Health Centres and non-government organisations should help to educate and implement the programme.
9) The various media like T.V. radio, posters, folders, films and talks should spread awarness among the people.