Corneal higher order aberrations in beta-thalassemia major

Purpose: This study aimed at evaluating the corneal higher order aberrations in beta-thalassemia major cases and comparing it to the healthy individuals.Material and methods: It was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted on 56 beta-thalassemia major cases and 64 healthy controls from December 2023 to June 2024. All the participants received a standard ophthalmological examination subsequently followed by measurement of corneal higher order aberrations using Corneal Topography Galilei G5.Results: The mean age of the cases and controls was comparable (P = 0.190). All the corneal higher order aberrations were significantly different among cases and controls (P <0.05), except for total coma, horizontal come, and spherical aberrations (P >0.05). Only fifth order aberrations were weakly positively correlated to thalassemia duration (r = 0.28, P = 0.033). The fourth order and spherical aberrations were weakly negatively correlated to hemoglobin levels (P = 0.029, P = 0.012 respectively). The fifth and sixth order aberrations were significantly different among the patients undergoing monotherapy and combined therapy (P = 0.006, P = 0.022 respectively).Conclusions: Corneal higher order aberrations are greater in beta-thalassemia major cases potentially due to disease and its treatment-related factors. The findings of the study focuses the need for regular ocular monitoring in these patients to lessen potential visual disturbances and improve ocular health.