All of a sudden when getting up in the morning or at any time during the day, you feel you have a blurry vision you can’t see things properly.
However, this blurredness lasts for a few minutes and then goes off completely. If this is the case with you, you might have bitot spots.
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What Are Bitot Spots?
Bitot’s Spots are white color distinctive patches that appear on the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a membrane of the eye that covers most of the visible part of the eye. They are tiny particulars of keratin protein present inside the eyelid.
Bitot Spots looks like triangular shaped areas on the white surface of the eyeball. They are capable of expanding and developing into another eye condition called xerophthalmia.
The condition occurs majorly due to deficiency of Vitamin A. Additionally, they can also form ulcers within the cornea if not treated properly.
Bitot Spots Symptoms
The symptoms of the bitot spot are as follows:
- Grey or white patches inside the eye
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Decreased vision
- Sudden episodes of blurredness lasting for few minutes
- Night blindness
Bitot Spots Causes
The most prevalent cause of Bitot Spot is Vitamin A deficiency. When the body does not have a considerable amount of Vitamin A, the goblet cells fail to produce enough amount of mucus. In absence of mucus, tears don’t come out of the eyes and the eyes remain unclean.
The dryness and no lubrication inside the eye grow into a patch of squamous skin cells. This patch of cells is called the bitot spots. The irritation occurs due to the friction between the patch and the eyelid especially when eyes are closed.
More off, with the lack of lubrication, the retina is unable to make pigments responsible for various colors of light which finally leads to night blindness.
Basically, deficiency of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, beta-carotene, and malabsorption of the nutrients can lead to bitot spots.
Bitot Spots Differential Diagnosis
Bitot Spot may also be a sign of diverse eye conditions. It might be considered as a blurred vision, myopia, papilledema, ocular palsy, photophobia, cataract, corneal vascularization, diplopia, optic nerves, conjunctivitis, night blindness, and poor vision.
Treatment Of Bitot Spots
Bitot Spots can be corrected with Vitamin A deficiency. Regular intake of Vitamin A rich foods can reduce the symptoms. Vitamin A present in foods and supplements is actually Pro-Vitamin which is converted by small intestine into retinol.
Retinol is absorbed by the liver with the help of a protein formed by zinc and amino acids. In case of lack of zinc and amino acids retinol can’t be absorbed which eventually does not fulfill the deficiency of Vitamin A.
Thus, the food rich in zinc, iron, amino acids, and Vitamin A can together compensate the Vitamin A deficiency.
More off, Vitamin A supplements are soluble in fat but not in water. So, they are not absorbed from food unless included with a few grams of fat. Try including foods with fat like beef liver, butter, eggs etc.
Individuals with intestinal problems face an interruption in Vitamin A absorption. It is because the intestine cannot absorb fat completely and so cannot absorb Vitamin A too. Thus, people with intestinal issues should take more amount of Vitamin A.
For treating the condition, include iron from foods like prunes and raisins in your diet. Include zinc supplements like 30 mg of zinc picolinate every day.
Consume the tablets for a month and you will get enough amount of zinc needed by the body for six months.
Additionally, take 25,000 IU of beta-carotene for about a month. Once you finish the course no need to take the beta-carotene supplements for about a year.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bitot Spots
Some of the effective home remedies for bitot spots are as follows:
1. Bilberry
Bilberry has high amounts of beta-carotone which improves eyesight, eye vision, and treat other eye conditions like bitot spots, cataract, retina disorders, etc. It has chemicals called anthocyanosides, that have loads of anti-oxidative and curing properties.
For the remedy, consume dried ripe fruits and leaves. Consume 80-120 gram of bilberry in a day. Use it for few weeks on a regular basis. Don’t use it for a prolonged time as high dose can cause toxicity.
2. RoseMarry
Rosemary is rich in vitamin A which is efficient in improving vision and treating eye issues. For the remedy. take few leaves of rosemary and add into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for good 10 minutes.
Strain out the liquid and consume it every day for maximum results. Alternatively, you can even add the leaves in your coffee or tea for a better taste.
3. Cheese And Fish
Cheese and fish are an excellent source of Vitamin A with the adequate fat required for its absorption. It regulates the growth of various cells of the eye which further treats eye issues and increases vision.
For the remedy, consume a slice of cheese along with a 150gram of grilled fish of your choice. Try consuming it daily for good results.
4. Thyme
Thyme is an excellent herb for the immune system and the eyes. It has antiseptic, analgesic, and adrenal tonic properties. it is effective in improving vision and treating bitot spots within few months. Additionally, it also boosts the energy level and provides a spurge of energy.
For the remedy, take few fresh thyme leaves. To it add a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for few minutes. Strain and consume the liquid as it is. Alternatively, you can add the leaves to your coffee or tea, if you don’t like the test. Follow the remedy daily for good results.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint has loads of vitamin A, alpha-carotene, and acetic acid. it is effective in treating eye issues and gastrointestinal problems like GERD, acidosis etc. It works on eyes by regulating the growth of various eye cells.
For the remedy, add few peppermint leaves to a boiling cup of water. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it as it is. Alternatively, you can directly add peppermint leaves to your salads or food items. Try consuming it daily to get faster results.
6. Dairy Products
Almost all the dairy products are rich in Vitamin A. Additionally, they have fat contents too which will lead to easy absorption of Vitamin A inside the body. Eliminating the vitamin A deficiency using dairy products is the easiest way for bitot spot cure.
Dairy products like cheese, milk, cottage cheese, butter, yogurt, etc are to be taken daily. It’s best to include them in your breakfast. Nevertheless, if you are allergic to dairy products you can opt for soy milk or tofu.
7. Non-Vegetarian Products
Lamb liver, beef liver, fish, cod liver oil, tuna, liver sausages, salmon, and goat cheese are some of the powerhouses of Vitamin A. They are very good for the eye issues.
You can consume them in whichever way you want to. You can add them to your salad, grill them up, bake them up, or add them to your main course dish. Studies shows include these products daily can effectively reduce eye issues.
Prevention Of Bitot Spot
For preventing bitot spots certain dietary changes are a must.
Some of these changes are as follows:
1) Include food rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene in your diet.
2) Take sufficient amount of iron from various food items. Don’t go for iron supplements instead take it from food.
3) Consume optimum amounts of protein in your diet. Eat meat, eggs, dietary products, vegetables, beef, etc.
4) Consume lot of vegetable juices to balance the nutrients.
5) Don’t strain your eyes too much. Cut down the laptop, cellphone, and TV use.
6) Avoid too much of smoke and dust.
7) Protect your eyes from direct sunlight. Wear sunglasses before stepping out in the sun.
Bitot Spots Occur On Which Part Of The Eye
Bitot Spot occurs in the conjunctiva of the eye i.e. is the white part of the eye near to the eyeball. The spots are clearly visible to naked eye.
They can be colorful or look like small brownish color lines in the white area of the eye. However, in the initial stages, they are little small so it might be difficult to see them with a naked eye.
Conclusion
If you suffer from frequent sudden blurry vision lasting for few minutes, do visit your ophthalmologists. It is necessary so as to avoid future eye problems.
If it is not treated in time it can lead to xerophthalmia, night blindness, and complete loss of vision. However, it’s not a serious issue once detected can be cured with diet and supplements.
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