Dr. Dipanjana Das

Dr. SANJAY KUMAR DAULAT THAKUR, Dr.DEBABRATA DAS, DR. PRATIROOP GANGOPADHYAY

Abstract

Objective: To assess Ocular Morbidities in children suffering from β Thalassemia. Methods: 100 children of age group 6-12 years attending Thalassemia clinic were selected. The diagnosis of Thalassemia was done by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. A comprehensive ocular examination was done to find out ocular morbidities associated with the disease process. Results: 35% children had refractive error with myopia (16%) being the most common one. Dry eye was present in 15%. 5% had cataractous lens. 41% were presented with keratoconjunctivitis of different etiologies. Posterior segment morbidities were present in 14% children with macular mottling and tortuous vessels in 7% and 3% respectively. 74% children requiring chelation therapy showed relatively smooth iris (p=0.02). Conclusion: These children need regular ocular examinations for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ocular morbidities, which are often overlooked because of the problems of systemic illness.

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