SICKLE-CELL RETINOPATHY DISEASE OF RETINA

SICKLE-CELL RETINOPATHY

 

Retinal changes in patients suffering from sickle cell haemoglobinopathies (abnormal haemoglobins) are primarily caused by retinal hypoxia; which results from blockage of small blood vessels by the abnormalshaped rigid red blood cells. 

Clinical features Sickle-cell retinopathy can be divided into five selfexplanatory stages as follows: 

1. Stage of peripheral arteriolar occlusion. 

2. Stage of peripheral arteriovenous anastomoses. 

3. Stage of neovascularisation. 

4. Stage of vitreous haemorrhage. 

5. Stage of vitreoretinal traction bands and tractional retinal detachment. 

Treatment 

 Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is effective in regressing the neovascularisation.
 

Pars plana vitrectomy is required for vitreoretinal tractional bands.

 It should be followed by repair of the retinal detachment, when present.