Treatment of Vitamin A Deficiency: Structured Evidence-Based Protocol
Vitamin A deficiency can present across different clinical stages. The standard treatment approach uses retinol (vitamin A) supplementation, with dosing adjusted according to the patient's age group. Importantly, the therapeutic approach is consistent regardless of which clinical stage is present.
Management centres on retinol (vitamin A) supplementation given on a structured schedule. The treatment is the same across clinical stages of the disease. Dosing varies by age group — the complete age-stratified regimen, schedule, and formulation details are provided in the full structured protocol.
When corneal lesions are present, this constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate retinol administration. Additional steps are indicated to manage the risk of secondary bacterial infection and to protect the eye. The complete emergency management protocol is in the full regimen.
References
- Treatment is the same regardless of the clinical stage, except in pregnant women.
- Corneal lesions are a medical emergency. In addition to the immediate administration of retinol, treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections with 1% tetracycline eye ointment, one application 2 times daily (do not apply eye drops containing corticosteroids) and protect the eye with an eye-pad after each application.