Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a significant public health issue in developing countries, especially among preschool children in rural areas. VAD is a known cause of preventable childhood blindness and contributes to increased morbidity. Aim: To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and its impact on visual function among preschool children in a rural community. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 200 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years. Data on demographic characteristics, dietary vitamin A intake, and ocular health were collected. Clinical examination for VAD signs and serum retinol estimation were performed. Visual function, including history of night blindness and visual acuity, was assessed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of children was 4.19 ± 0.81 years, with an equal gender distribution. The prevalence of subclinical VAD (serum retinol <0.7 µmol/L) was 34.5%, and clinical VAD was observed in 16.0%. History of night blindness was reported in 14.5% of children. Vitamin A deficient children had significantly worse visual acuity (LogMAR 0.43 ± 0.17) compared to non-deficient peers (0.11 ± 0.08) (p<0.001). Bitot’s spots and conjunctival xerosis were exclusively seen in the deficient group. Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency is highly prevalent in the studied rural preschool population and has a significant negative impact on visual function. Strengthening vitamin A supplementation and nutrition programs is critical to prevent visual morbidity.

Vitamin A Deficiency; Preschool Children; Visual Function