Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Microcytic anemia is variety of anemia in which the majority of circulating erythrocytes are smaller than normal. Causes include iron deficiency, thalassemia, chronic diseases and sideroblastic anemia [anemia - sideroblastic]
Microcytic anemia may produce edema of the optic nerve head [edema - optic nerve head], retinal hemorrhages [hemorrhage - retina], and exudates.