ABSTRACT
Person with thalassemia major may have severe symptoms and may need regular blood transfusions. Iron overload is due to repeated blood transfusions and enhanced iron absorption by gastrointestinal tract and also creates negative impact on the organs function. We aimed to study the ocular changes in beta thalassemia major at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 234 patients diagnosed with beta thalassemia major, receiving multiple blood transfusions as a part of treatment were included. Patient brief history was taken, along with family history. Complete eye examination done. Ocular examination done by measuring visual acuity, refractive error assessment with autorefractometer, slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, perimetry, tonometry, color vision testing and tear break up time (TBUT) test. Results: A total of 234 beta thalassemia major patients of both sexes were evaluated, among them 132 (56.4%) were males and 102 (43.5%)were females. The mean age of thalassemic study population was 25.6±6.3. Most commonly observed were pinguecula (44%), visual field defects (40.5%), vascular tortuosity (39.3%), dry eye (33.3%), Refractive error (20.5%), Anterior segment involvement (18.8%), Cataract (13.2%), color vision defect (5.1%), normalization of optical vessels (4%). Conclusion: Regular Opthalmological examination helps to detect early changes due to disease and chelating agents. Issue of iron overload among thalassemic patients can be reduced by decreasing the need or the frequency of blood transfusions.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cataract estimated to be the cause of blindness among 17.6 million people worldwide. A few studies have done in India about obstacles or barriers of patients to undergo cataract surgeries, so the present study has undertaken to know the reasons for not accepting cataract surgical services. Methods: Patients in the age group of above 45 years, vision <20/60 and presenting with features of cataract were included. BCVA (Best corrected Visual acuity) was measured using Snellen chart and Cataract was diagnosed using torch light and Direct Ophthalmoscopy. Patients knowledge about cataract, factors obstructing patients to undergo cataract surgeries, regarding service delivery, cost and affordability were assessed. Results: Out of 120 patients, 46 (38.3%) were aware that they have cataract. Among various obstacles, about 60% were able to manage daily work and worry about the cost of surgery. Obstacles including Busy with work, cans see clearly with other eye were seen in above 50% of patients. Out of 120 patients, 83 (69.1%) did not undergo cataract surgery because of insufficient family income, whereas 54 (45%) persons does not have accompany to attend for cataract surgery.Conclusion: Need of eye health campaigns, providing services like, free of cost, transport facilities and place of treatment, follow up services. Many Government Organizations and Hospitals are conducting free camps for cataract surgeries, other than these health education is necessary by explaining about the beneficiaries of cataract surgery and advise people to avail health benefits or free camps to undergo cataract surgery.