Sickle cell retinopathy
Sickle cell retinopathy can be defined as retinal changes due to blood vessel damage in the eye of a person with a background of sickle cell disease. It can likely progress to loss of vision in late stages due to vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment. Sickle cell disease is a structural red blood cell disorder leading to consequences in multiple systems. It is characterized by chronic red blood cell destruction, vascular injury and tissue ischemia causing damage to the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen and musculoskeletal system.

People affected by sickle cell disease are commonly of African or Asian descent. Emigration patterns towards the Western Hemisphere have lead to increased numbers of persons affected by sickle cell disease in regions where it was previously uncommon. Knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease and it’s management are now increasingly relevant in areas such as the European Union. At a young age, a great proportion of people living with sickle cell disease can develop retinal changes. Sickle cell disease consists of several subtypes however, the Haemoglobin type C (HbSC) subtype carries the gravest prognosis for sickle cell retinopathy and vision changes.

Regular retinal examinations can aid in early detection and treatment thus reducing the impact of the condition and the risk of vision loss. Development and progression of sickle cell retinopathy can be favorably modified through management of the underling sickle cell disease. Treatment of the general disease can ameliorate its systemic effects.
Q169342
retina
Concept
Q988343
blood vessel
Concept
Q430024
eye
Concept
Q185034
sickle cell disease
Concept
Q1529650
vitreous hemorrhage
Concept
Q625164
retinal detachment
Concept
Q37187
red blood cell
Concept
Q188151
ischemia
Concept
Q1073
brain
Concept
Q1072
heart
Concept
Q7886
lungs
Concept
Q9377
kidneys
Concept
Q9371
spleen
Concept
Q726543
musculoskeletal system
Concept
Q817393
African
Concept
Q4058325
Asian
Concept
Q458
European Union
ORG
None
Haemoglobin type C
UNK
Q97403851
Sickle cell retinopathy
Concept
subclass of