An analytical study of ophthalmological manifestations in haematological malignancies in a tertiary care centre, India

RAJA AYYAKUTTY MUNI,*
SEEMA GURUSAMY

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the ophthalmological manifestations associated with various haematological malignancies at a Tertiary Care Centre. Materials and methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with various types of haematological malignancies, including leukaemia, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Patients who had ocular media opacities which precluded fundus view like dense corneal opacity, cataracts, absolute glaucoma, and systemic conditions like hypertension, and diabetes were excluded from this study. All 60 patients underwent a comprehensive ocular examination and the collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS software version 25. Results: Out of the 60 patients with haematological malignancies, 27 (45%) exhibited ocular features. Ocular involvement was more common in males (63%) and in the paediatric age group (1-10 years) (100%). Ocular findings were prevalent in leukaemia patients especially with chronic myeloid leukaemia showing the highest incidence (80%), compared to lymphomas and multiple myeloma. The most common ocular manifestations were in the posterior segment, such as retinal haemorrhages and Roth spots, observed across all age groups. Neurological involvement, specifically III and VI cranial nerve palsy, were also notable. At the time of presentation, the majority of patients with ocular features had good visual acuity, ranging from 6/6 to 6/9 (43%). Conclusion: With advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the survival rates for patients with haematological malignancies have considerably improved. This has led to an increase in the variability of ocular presentations. Consequently, routine ocular examination is essential at the time of diagnosis of haematological malignancies to prevent vision-threatening complications and improve the overall quality of life for these patients.