Bitot's Spots

Bitot's spots are the buildup of keratin located superficially in the conjunctiva of human's eyes. They can be oval, triangular or irregular in shape. The spots are a sign of vitamin A deficiency and associated with drying of the cornea. In 1863, the French physician Pierre Bitot (1822-1888) first described these spots. The spots may abate under replacement therapy. In ancient Egypt, this was treated with animal liver, which is where vitamin A is stored.

Causes

Major cause of Bitots's spot is vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Rarely, pellegra due to deficiency of vitamin B3 (Niacin) may also cause Bitots's spots.

Treatment

VAD is commonly treated with oral vitamin A supplements. Improvement of Bitot’s spots is seen with high-dose vitamin A therapy. Bitot's spots non-responsive to vitamin A therapy may be removed surgically.