Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Clinical

23

OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS AMONG BETA THALASSEMIA PATIENTS

Mannat Chawla, MA, OMS-IV; Zaynab Kaleem, MA, OMS-IV; Kelly Roballo, DVM, PhD Corresponding author: mchawla@vcom.edu

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia

Foundation. The survey collected data on demographic and clinical characteristics, transfusion status, ocular symptoms, prior eye diagnoses, visual function, quality of-life impact, awareness, and access to eye care. Responses were collected using structured multiple choice and Likert-scale items, and a correlation analysis was used to evaluate prevalence patterns and compare findings between groups. Results: Preliminary analysis of the 56 survey responses indicates early findings of a notable prevalence of self-reported ocular symptoms such as vision changes, night blindness and dryness. Preliminary trends suggest that transfusion-dependent patients may experience a greater symptom burden compared with non–transfusion-dependent patients. Final statistical comparisons and subgroup analyses are currently in progress. Conclusions: These preliminary findings showed the need for routine ophthalmologic screening and highlighted the potential role of early diagnostic strategies, multimodal imaging, and tailored chelation

protocols in mitigating ocular morbidity. Further research is essential to refine diagnostic criteria, establish risk stratification models, and evaluate interventions aimed at improving visual outcomes and overall quality of life in beta thalassemia patients. IRB Statement: This study was approved by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine IRB, protocol number 2024-250

Background/Context: Beta thalassemia is a chronic hematologic disorder characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload, often requiring lifelong transfusions and iron chelation therapy, both of which contribute to multisystem complications. Ocular manifestations, though increasingly recognized, remain understudied despite their potential to impair vision and reduce quality of life. Understanding their prevalence and impact helps address an important gap in the current literature and supports more comprehensive care for this growing patient population. Objective: To determine the prevalence, severity, and clinical impact of ocular manifestations in transfusion-dependent and non–transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia patients using a cross-sectional survey based assessment. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of beta thalassemia patients, including both transfusion-dependent and non–transfusion-dependent individuals, recruited through the Cooley’s Anemia

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194 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)