SIGNS OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY IN THE EYE CORRELATED WITH URINARY LITHIASIS

Abstract

In this study our aim was to determine, if possible, any relationship that may exist between vitamin A deficiency and upper urinary lithiasis in human beings. In order to prove or disprove such relationship, we decided to test for vitamin A deficiency a group of individuals who have or have had renal or ureteral calculi. The method employed was the dark adaptation or light sensitivity test. In the absence of demonstrable disorders of the eye, an increase in the light sensitivity (dysaptation) is an indication of the failure of the regeneration of the visual purple. One of the main causes of this condition is lack of vitamin A. EXPERIMENTAL DATA The substance or nutritional factor known as vitamin A was discovered through experiments made independently and almost simultaneously in 1913 by McCollum and Davis1and by Osborne and Mendel.2Young experimental animals were found to thrive or to