Non-GVHD Ocular Complications of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Non-graft-versus-host disease(non-GVHD) Ocular complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation(HCT) are uncommon. Although these side effects may consider it to be a minor side effect, however, for the patients, blurred vision, vision loss or other eye symptoms can be troublesome. This study was designed to review the non-GVHD ocular complications after bone marrow transplantation.
A search of the PubMed database in English language from 2004 to 2018 was used to search for published articles on ocular complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with the following terms: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, eye or ocular, side effects, eye and vision.
In this review, cataract was the most common ocular complication seen in more than 11% of adults and more than 4% of children. Glaucoma was observed in 0.4% to 1.7% of cases. Bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral infections have been seen in more than 2% of patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, noninfectious eye involvement such as hemorrhage, ischemia, and retinal detachment has been observed in more than 3% of patients. Most studies have emphasized that awareness of non-GVHD ocular complications is essential for both transplant physicians and ophthalmologists provide comprehensive collaborative team care. 
Available evidences suggest that initial ocular evaluation before HCT should be considered in all patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Follow-up assessments should be considered based on clinical presentations and risk factors. Preventive strategies and treatments for post-HCT ocular complications remain to be considered on individual case basis.