American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with detailed quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions to master the ABS QE topics. Get all the hints and explanations you need to succeed on your first attempt!

Practice this question and more.

What is the outcome of corneal degeneration in vitamin A deficiency?

Keratomalacia
Xerosis cutis
Night blindness
Demyelination

The correct answer is: Keratomalacia

The outcome of corneal degeneration in vitamin A deficiency is keratomalacia, which is characterized by softening and clouding of the cornea. This condition occurs because vitamin A is crucial for the maintenance of epithelial and mucosal tissues, including those of the eyes. Inadequate vitamin A leads to changes in the corneal epithelium, making it more susceptible to damage and degeneration. This ultimately results in keratomalacia, a severe manifestation of vitamin A deficiency that can lead to blindness if not addressed promptly. The other choices do not directly relate to the specific outcome of corneal degeneration from vitamin A deficiency. Xerosis cutis refers to dry skin, which, while related to vitamin A deficiency, does not describe corneal changes. Night blindness is a visual impairment due to the inability to adjust to low light conditions, also related to vitamin A deficiency, but it does not specifically address corneal degeneration. Demyelination pertains to nerve loss and is unrelated to the effects of vitamin A deficiency on the cornea. Hence, keratomalacia is the clear and direct consequence of corneal degeneration related to a lack of vitamin A.