To investigate, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the retinal and choriocapillaris vascular features in patients affected by Beta Thalassemia. Moreover we analyzed the structural retinal parameters (ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer), using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in these patients

Beta Thalassemia is one of the most common genetic hemoglobinopathy characterized by a defective β globulin chain synthesis leading to hemolysis and ineffective erythropoiesis.

The study investigated the changes in retinal and choriocapillaris vascular features using optical coherence tomography angiography, a novel and noninvasive diagnostic technique that allows a detailed analysis of retinal and choriocapillaris blood flow.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age older than 35 years
• diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia
• absence of previous ocular surgery, congenital eye disease, high myopia (>6 dioptres), actual or previous diagnosis of glaucoma, optic disc anomaly, macular or vitreoretinal diseases.
• absence of significant lens opacities, low-quality OCT and OCT-A images.

Exclusion Criteria:

• age older than 50 years
• absence of diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia
• presence of previous ocular surgery, congenital eye disease, high myopia (>6 dioptres), actual or previous diagnosis of glaucoma, optic disc anomaly, macular or vitreoretinal diseases.
• presence of significant lens opacities, low-quality OCT and OCT-A images.

The participans were older than 35 years with diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia. They did not present other ophthalmological diseases.