May be due to a systemic deficiency of vitamin A

• Abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes; may be due to a systemic deficiency of vitamin A [syn: xerophthalmus , xeroma , conjunctivitis arida ]

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Xerophthalmia (; Greek for dry eyes , from Ξηροφθαλμία = ξηρός, dry + οφθαλμός, eye) is a medical condition in which the eye fails to produce tears . It may be caused by vitamin A deficiency, which is sometimes used to describe that condition, although ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Xerophthalmia \Xe`roph*thal"mi*a\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?; ? dry + ? the eye. See Ophthalmia .] (Med.) An abnormal dryness of the eyeball produced usually by long-continued inflammation and subsequent atrophy of the conjunctiva.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. A condition due to a deficiency of vitamin A where the conjunctiva and cornea become dry. The condition starts with conjunctival xerosis and night blindness and progresses to corneal xerosis and, later, a severe condition called keratomalacia.