Dr.MATHEW K JOHNSON
Purpose- To study the ophthalmic changes in beta thalassemia major patients, a genetic blood disorder that requires regular blood transfusion.
Method- This was a cross sectional study which included beta thalassemia patients above 18 yrs of age and received regular blood transfusion. The ophthalmic changes were assessed clinically and recorded.
Results- Ophthalmic changes observed were dry eye, cataract, retinal changes which occur at the level of pigmentary epithelium and field changes detected at perimetry.
Conclusion- The thalassemia patients need multiple blood transfusions due to defective haemoglobin. To prevent iron accumulation in different parts of body chelating agents are given, however serum ferritine level remain high including free iron leading to oxidative stress. this lead to early ageing signs i.e. dry eye, cataract, retinal changes and visual field changes
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