Sickle cell disease causes effects in multiple areas of the body, including the eyes. While the haemoglobin SC (HbSC) form of the condition typically causes less severe symptoms, it has a higher chance of impacting your vision by causing sickle cell retinopathy. That is why it is important to understand how sickle cell disease can affect sight, whether you have the illness yourself or care for a child who has it.
People with sickle cell disease have a genetic abnormality that causes red blood cells to be misshapen (the disease gets its name from the cells’ sickle-like shape) and more rigid. As a result, malformed red blood cells clump together and obstruct vessels, which deprives the retina of oxygen.
Sickle cell retinopathy is a progressive condition that affects one or both eyes. While it can take time for symptoms to occur, many people with this condition experience:
Proliferative sickle cell retinopathy is a more serious form of this condition, as it is associated with symptoms like retinal detachment, eye bleeding, and rarely, blindness.
While the prospect of vision issues is upsetting, sickle cell retinopathy is a highly treatable condition. Some patients receive injectable medications that prevent new blood vessels from forming in the eyes, while laser treatments are used to eliminate obstructions in the blood vessels.
It is also important to ensure that one’s sickle cell disease is generally well-managed. This can be accomplished through taking medications as prescribed, undergoing blood transfusions as needed, and maintaining your overall health.
The best thing you can do to prevent vision issues related to sickle cell disease is to schedule regular vision exams with a retinal specialist who has experience with this condition. These medical professionals will be more likely to catch early signs of retinopathy, which is key for preventing later problems.
Children with sickle cell disease should undergo comprehensive eye exams once per year starting at age nine. In the event that signs of retinopathy are already present, your medical provider will probably increase the frequency of exams to ensure your child’s vision is properly monitored.