Last Updated on November 24, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Thalassemia affecting eyesight is a common topic of discussion among researchers. Thalassemia affects vision but the available evidence does not clearly explain the mechanism.
A report by National Health Mission informs that India has the world’s most significant number of children with thalassemia. About 10,000 -15,000 babies with thalassemia are born every year.
Can thalassemia reduce vision?
Yes. The available scientific evidence informs that thalassemia affects eyesight and can reduce vision. Thalassemia can change eyesight. These papers suggest vision can change due to the disease itself. Thalassemia can cause ocular surface disorders, cataracts, angioid streak, retinal venous tortuosity, retinal toxicity, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration, mottling, optic neuropathy, and decreased visual acuity.
How does thalassemia reduce eyesight?
We need more evidence to ascertain whether thalassemia reduces eyesight. The available scientific evidence does not provide a concrete answer to how thalassemia patients are at risk of reduced eyesight. We need more evidence to understand how thalassemia affects vision.
Can beta thalassemia reduce eye vision?
Yes. The available research papers show that people with beta-thalassemia need regular eye checkups. They are at risk of developing certain eye conditions. Existing research does not clearly explain the mechanism through which beta thalassemia targets vision.
Research published in 2016 shows that people with beta-thalassemia suffer from eye conditions like pseudoxanthoma elasticum and retinal vascular tortuosity. These conditions put people with beta-thalassemia at a higher risk of reduced eye vision.
Can alpha thalassemia reduce eye vision?
Yes. Existing research does not clearly explain the mechanism. But the available evidence suggests that people with alpha thalassemia suffer abnormal functioning of the alpha globin gene. People with alpha thalassemia suffer from increased iron buildup. This excessive iron buildup increases the risk of reduced eyesight in people with alpha thalassemia. Healthy women who are thalassemia carriers can suffer from a change in vision during pregnancy.
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