OCULAR CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH NUTRITIONAL ANAEMIA IN ROHILKHAND REGION

Dr. Mohan Tiwari; Dr. Malini Kulshrestha; Dr. R.R. Chaudhary

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2018

OCULAR CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH NUTRITIONAL ANAEMIA IN ROHILKHAND REGION

Dr. Mohan Tiwari, Dr. Malini Kulshrestha, Dr. R. R. Chaudhary

Abstract :

Background: Occurrence of anaemic retinopathy and conjunctival pallor is common in patients withanaemia. Magnitude ofretinal manifestations depends upon the severity of anaemia. Retinal damage in anaemia occurs due to anoxia, venous stasis, angiospasm and increased capillary permeability.

Methodology: Non interventional study was conducted in 52 adult patients diagnosed with nutritional anaemia in medicine department. Patients with diabetes, hypertension,anaemia other than nutritional causes and media opacities were excluded. After obtaining informed consent ocular examination was carried out with direct ophthalmoscope. Fundus examination was done after dilatation of pupils with tropicamide(mydriatic) eye drops. Patients were examined in more detail in the Ophthalmology O.P.D (whenever possible).

Results: Conjunctival pallor is the most common finding and is seen in all patients. Flame shaped retinal haemorrhages were the second most common finding and was seen in 38.46% of patients. Deep haemorrhages are the third common finding seen in 30.77%. Other ocular changes like lid edema, subconjunctivalhaemorrhage, cotton woolspots, vitreous haemorrhages, retinal edema, etc are less common. Incidence and severity of retinal changes is more with more severe grades of anaemia.

Conclusion: Anaemia can result in wide variety of ocular changes. Patients with conjunctival pallor should beevaluated for anaemia. Patients with moderate to very severe anaemia should undergo mandatory fundus examination foridentification of anaemic retinopathy. Incidence and severity of retinal haemorrhages depends on severity of anaemia. Earlyrecognition of retinal manifestation may help in early institution of treatment and thus early resolution of retinal changes.