Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
Iron deficiency anemia presenting with macular star
Bhakti P Trivedi1, Meenakshi Ravindran1, Neelam Pawar1
1Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, South India.
Severe iron deficiency anemia caused sudden vision loss in a teen. Treatment with iron supplements restored vision and resolved retinal hemorrhages.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sudden vision loss can significantly impact a young patient's quality of life.
- Ocular manifestations of systemic conditions require prompt diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female presented with acute, painless decreased vision in her right eye.
- Examination revealed conjunctival pallor, bilateral macular preretinal hemorrhage, and a macular star in the left eye.
Findings:
- Hematologic investigation confirmed severe iron deficiency anemia as the underlying cause.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) visualized the macular pathology.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering systemic causes, like iron deficiency anemia, in young patients with sudden vision loss.
- Prompt treatment of iron deficiency anemia can lead to significant visual recovery and resolution of retinal findings.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythropoiesis
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

