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.