The lack of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in the body can develop due to inadequate nutrition or impaired absorption in tuberculosis, diseases of the intestines and liver, the use of certain antibiotics and drugs.
Against the background of the lack of this vitamin, cellular hypoxia of eye tissues is observed, due to a lack of respiratory enzymes that include riboflavin. The most characteristic sign of pronounced hypovitaminosis B2 is the superficial vascularization of the cornea along its entire circumference. Superficial focal corneal opacities are possible.
Dermatites of the eyelids are also noted, with cracks in the corners, accompanied by itching and burning, hyperemia of the conjunctiva, reduced sensitivity to light and dimness of vision. Common manifestations of hyporiboflavinosis are: weakness, decreased appetite, headache, angular stomatitis, glossitis, seborrheic dermatitis.
Diagnosis takes into account eye changes and general symptoms. Early laboratory diagnosis is a decrease in urinary riboflavin from 1000-500 to 100 milligrams or less per day.
Laboratory measurement of the level of vitamin B2 is prescribed for clinical signs of riboflavin deficiency (redness and cracks in the corners of the mouth, seborrheic dermatitis, painful red tongue).
