Know The Impact Of Thalassemia On The Human Eyes

(By: Dr Ananya Ganguly)

Thalassemia, being the most common single-gene disorder, accounts for a huge burden of around 10,000 to 15,000 babies born with the disease each year in India. The cause of systemic disorders associated with the disease is multifactorial, which includes chronic hypoxia and anaemia, iron overload, multiple endocrinopathies, poor socioeconomic status, and ethnic or racial factors.

Ocular manifestations in beta thalassaemia can be attributed to the disease itself, iron overload or the use of chelating agents.

Here's a More Detailed Breakdown of the Ocular Effects of Thalassaemia:

1. Retinal Degeneration:
Iron accumulation in the retina can lead to damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the layer of cells that supports the retina. This can manifest as mottling or degeneration of the RPE and, in severe cases, can lead to angioid streaks (hyaline streaks with a characteristic black and white appearance). Iron chelation therapy, while necessary to manage iron overload, can also cause retinal toxicity, potentially exacerbating or inducing retinal degeneration.

2. Decreased Visual Acuity and Visual Field Defects:
Thalassaemia can cause a decrease in visual acuity, the ability to see clearly. Visual field defects, where certain areas of vision are impaired, can also occur. These vision problems can be caused by retinal damage, optic neuropathy (damage to the optic nerve), or other ocular complications.

3. Colour Vision Abnormalities:
Thalassaemia can lead to colour vision deficiencies, making it difficult to distinguish between certain colours. This can be caused by retinal damage, optic nerve damage, or other ocular problems.

4. Night Blindness (Nyctalopia):
Thalassaemia can cause night blindness, the inability to see well in low light conditions. This is often linked to retinal degeneration and decreased visual acuity in the presence of low light.

5. Other Ocular Complications:
Dry eye: Thalassaemia can contribute to dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes don't produce enough tears.
Cataracts: Lens opacities, or cataracts, can develop in some patients with thalassaemia.
Optic neuropathy: Damage to the optic nerve can occur in some patients, leading to visual field defects and decreased visual acuity.

Importance Of Regular Eye Examination:

Regular eye examinations are essential in managing ocular complications in children with TM. They aid in early detection of conditions, monitoring retinal health, assessing visual acuity, detecting cataracts and managing eye infections. These examinations would enable healthcare professionals to provide appropriate interventions and improve the overall ocular health and well-being of TM children.

Dr Ananya Ganguly is Ophthalmologist at Disha Eye Hospitals 

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

health