Who Discovered Xerophthalmia Disease?

Who discovered xerophthalmia disease?

 

Who discovered xerophthlamia?  

There is no known historical account as to who exactly discovered xerophthalmia. Although, the symptoms of night blindness have been recorded way back to Ancient Egypt while more cases became more prevalent during the 18th and 19th century. It was also in the 19th century where the exact cause of xerophthalmia was discovered. Xerophthalmia is caused by a severe nutritional deficiency of Vitamin A.  

Xerophthalmia (Greek: "xeros" means dry and "ophthalmos" means eye) is a progressive medical condition which makes the eyes unable to produce tears. This severe dryness eventually leads to night blindness and can even damage the cornea. Xerophthalmia can be treated by Vitamin A therapy and a healthy diet.