Ocular Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease: A Review

Abstract

Problem: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an increasingly frequent global health concern whose complications may result in decreased function and reduced quality of life. SCD is a multisystem monogenic disease resulting from a mutation that causes the abnormal ‘sickling’ of erythrocytes. Subsequent local and diffuse vaso-occlusion can cause both systemic and ocular damage. Although sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) is the most commonly evoked ocular sequelae of SCD, all vascularized ocular tissues can become ischemic and progressively damaged. The combination of retinal screening of high-risk patients and early detection of the ocular sequelae of SCD with advanced diagnostic technologies should result in timely intervention and preservation of vision. Conclusion: This review of the ocular manifestations of SCD will reinforce the critical role of optometry in the multi-disciplinary care of these growing number of patients we as a profession will encounter. CE Notification: This article is available as a COPE accredited CE course. You may take this course for 2-hour credit. Read the article and take the qualifying test to earn your credit. Click here to Enroll (https://www.crojournal.com/ocular-manifestations-of-sickle-cell-disease-a-review) Please check COPE course expiry date prior to enrollment. The COPE course test must be taken before the course expiry date.