Retinal changes in anemia - A comparative cross sectional study using SD-OCT

Abstract

To study the retinal changes in various grades of anemia and compare them with controls by analysing the peripapillary RNFL (retinal nerve fibre layer) thickness and CDR (cup-disc ratio) in OCT.Anemia is a common health problem, iron deficiency (IDA) being the most common type. It has deleterious visual effects through enhancement of ischemic effects.Changes in RNFL and CDR are seen in many ischemic retinal diseases.Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non invasive imaging modality that gives a cross-sectional topographic imaging of retina.Our study aims at analysing RNFL thickness and CDR by OCT in our subjects.Our study was conducted including 44 each of anemic and non anemic people, after classifying the anemic group further based on WHO criteria. After detailed clinical examination, OCT was done and peri-papillary RNFL in 4 quadrants and vertical CDR were assessed and compared.Peripapillary RNFL thickness in anemia group was significantly thinner than controls, the change more pronounced in severe anemia than other groups. CDR was significantly high in severe anemia than others.Retinal changes in anemia has a correlation with the severity of anemia. RNFL and CDR changes can predispose to serious visual defects in future. Hence, anemia screening and correction along with frequent clinical and OCT evaluation in such patients can be useful in early detection and prevention of anemic retinopathy.