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

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Beta thalassemia is severe genetic blood disorder caused by mutation in the gene encoding for beta chains of haemoglobin and individuals with require life-long red cell transfusions to survive which leads hemosiderosis affects all organs body including eyes. The study aims ocular manifestations these children its correlation age serum ferritin levels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional was done government medical college Jammu 2014-2015 on 67 BTM children. Children below 3 years pre-existing abnormalities, infections were excluded from study. Ocular examination any major eye abnormality, congenital malformations or trauma. Retinal using direct indirect ophthalmoscope, changes recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>47.76% belonging group: 5-10 years, while only 5.97%, i.e., 4 number pertained >15 years. Lens opacity seen 29.85% 31 showed retinal activity, decreased visual acuity also observed 17 Iris significantly affected >2500 ng/ml. Even greater lenticular opacities higher levels (>4500 ng/ml).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>As life expectancy beta-thalassemia patients extends, regular monitoring progression disease symptoms detect early their system recommended, achieve a better quality this patient group.</p>