TY - JOUR
T1 - Preventing blindness and saving lives
T2 - The centenary of vitamin A
AU - Sommer, Alfred
PY - 2014/1/1
Y1 - 2014/1/1
N2 - Within 20 years of its discovery 100 years ago, vitamin A was recognized as critical to normal eyes, growth, and survival. Clinical interest subsequently contracted to its importance in preventing xerophthalmia, until this ophthalmologist stumbled, quite accidently, on its role in fighting life-threatening infections. Repeated, large-scale randomized clinical trials eventually convinced (and reminded) the pediatric and nutrition communities of its importance for child survival. Vitamin A distribution programs are now credited with saving the sight and lives of nearly half a million children every year.
AB - Within 20 years of its discovery 100 years ago, vitamin A was recognized as critical to normal eyes, growth, and survival. Clinical interest subsequently contracted to its importance in preventing xerophthalmia, until this ophthalmologist stumbled, quite accidently, on its role in fighting life-threatening infections. Repeated, large-scale randomized clinical trials eventually convinced (and reminded) the pediatric and nutrition communities of its importance for child survival. Vitamin A distribution programs are now credited with saving the sight and lives of nearly half a million children every year.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84892701734&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84892701734&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.5309
DO - 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.5309
M3 - Review article
C2 - 24407830
AN - SCOPUS:84892701734
SN - 2168-6165
VL - 132
SP - 115
EP - 117
JO - JAMA ophthalmology
JF - JAMA ophthalmology
IS - 1
ER -