Which vitamin deficiency is likely to cause keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition characterized by the progressive thinning and conical shape of the cornea, which can lead to visual impairment. One vitamin that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy epithelial tissue, including the cornea, is vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of rhodopsin, a visual pigment necessary for low-light vision, and is also involved in maintaining the integrity of the corneal epithelium.

A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to a range of ocular problems, including xerophthalmia, a condition that can affect the cornea and potentially contribute to the development of keratoconus. Vitamin A is vital for the proper differentiation of corneal epithelial cells, and when levels are insufficient, it can result in abnormal corneal morphology and function. This connection between vitamin A deficiency and corneal health underscores its relevance in conditions like keratoconus.

The other vitamins mentioned do not have the same direct association with corneal structural integrity and keratoconus. Vitamin B primarily supports metabolic processes, vitamin C is important for collagen formation but has less specific significance in keratoconus, and vitamin D is mainly recognized for its role in bone health and calcium metabolism. Therefore, the link between vitamin