English

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study complete clinical profile of ocular manifestations in haematological disorders METHODS: This was a prospective non-interventional study done on 60 cases admitted and diagnosed with various haematological disorders in Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology wards. Whenever general condition permitted, patients were examined in more details in the Ophthalmology O.P.D. For the record of visual acuity, a standard Snellen's chart was used. Dilated fundus examination was done in every case. Patients with diabetes, hypertension and dense cataracts were excluded. RESULTS: Out of total 60 cases, 39 cases of anaemia, 13 cases of leukaemia, 4 cases of haemorrhagic disorders and 4 cases of haemoglobinopathies were studied. Conjunctival pallor was observed in all cases (100%) of anaemia and fundal pallor in 38.46 % cases. Retinal haemorrhages were present in 57.14 % cases of megaloblastic anaemia, 50% cases of combined nutritional deficiency anaemia and 60% cases of aplastic anaemia, but absent in iron deficiency anaemia cases. Overall incidence of ocular manifestations in leukaemia was 69.23%. It was higher (87.5 %) in acute leukaemia as compared to chronic leukaemia (40%). Two cases of purpura with associated anaemia showed retinal flame shaped haemorrhages. Thalassemia major cases showed changes like conjunctival pallor and fundal pallor. CONCLUSION: It is essential to examine all patients’ with haematological disorders for ocular manifestations as it helps in diagnosis and prognosis. Early recognition of the ocular manifestations is of great importance as early institution of treatment may prevent or alleviate both ocular and systemic complications.