In reptiles, conjunctivitis with eyelid swelling is most associated with deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Answer: (A)

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and epithelial lining in reptiles. When this vitamin is deficient, the conjunctiva and eyelid epithelium undergo squamous metaplasia and keratinization, reducing glandular secretions and making the eye more prone to inflammation. This combination readily presents as conjunctivitis with eyelid swelling (blepharitis) in reptiles. Other vitamins don’t typically produce this same ocular pattern: a deficiency of Vitamin C affects wound healing and bleeding, Vitamin D leads to bone problems, and Vitamin E causes different systemic signs. So this ocular presentation points to Vitamin A deficiency.