Publication:

Ocular abnormalities in patients with beta-thalassemia: a prospective study

Background Beta thalassemia is severe genetic blood disorder caused by mutation in the gene encoding for the beta chains of haemoglobin and individuals with beta thalassemia require life-long red blood cell transfusions to survive which leads to hemosiderosis and affects all the organs in the body including eyes. The study aims to study ocular manifestations in these children and its correlation with age and serum ferritin levels.

Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in government medical college Jammu in 2014-2015 on 67 BTM children. Children below 3 years of age and with pre-existing ocular abnormalities, infections were excluded from the study. Ocular examination was done for any major eye abnormality, congenital malformations or trauma. Retinal examination was done using direct and indirect ophthalmoscope, changes were recorded.

Results 47.76% of children belonging to the group: 5-10 years, while only 5.97%, i.e., 4 in number pertained to the age group: >15 years. Lens opacity was seen in 29.85% of children. 31 children showed changes in retinal activity, while decreased visual acuity was also observed in 17 children. Iris was significantly affected in children with serum ferritin >2500 ng/ml. Even greater lenticular changes and opacities were observed in children with higher serum ferritin levels (>4500 ng/ml).

Conclusions As life expectancy for beta-thalassemia patients extends, regular monitoring of the progression of disease and symptoms to detect early changes in their ocular system is recommended, to achieve a better quality of life for this patient group.