Ocular findings in children with thalassemia major in Eastern Mediterranean

AIM: To investigate ophthalmologic findings in children with thalassemia major (TM) and compare the findings with healthy controls. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 43 children with thalassemia major from pediatric hematology outpatient clinics from two university hospitals and age/sex matched 47 healthy children were included in the study. After a complete ophthalmic examination, tear function tests including the Schirmer test, fluorescein tear break-up time (BUT), ultrasound pachymetry, and axial length measurement were performed. Obtained data was recorded for statistical analysis and the values of right eyes were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean best corrected visual acuity was 1.34±0.75 in TM and 1.08±0.28 in controls. It was found lower than 0.1 logMAR unit in 10 (23.2%) children with TM and 2 (4.2%) in controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). The mean central corneal thickness was 540±26.95 in children with TM and 536.98±20.45µm in controls (P＞0.05). The mean axial length was 22.53±0.50 in TM and 22.57±0.43mm in the control group. The mean Schirmer test score was 19.94±6.91 in TM and 24.22±3.95mm in the control group (P＜0.01). The mean BUT score was 9.62±1.28 in TM and 9.73±0.6s in the control group (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION: In TM, while corneal thickness, axial length, and BUT are close to controls, the Schirmer scores are less than normal. The study revealed that TM may be affected by the tear function and visual acuity.