How does sickle cell disease affect the eye?

Sickle cell disease affects the eye primarily due to the presence of abnormally shaped red blood cells, which can become rigid and can obstruct blood flow in the small blood vessels. This blockage can lead to a variety of serious ocular complications. Specifically, in the retina, these occlusions may result in retinal hemorrhages, neovascularization (the formation of new blood vessels), and even retinal ischemia (insufficient blood supply), ultimately impacting vision.

In addition to these complications, the disease can also contribute to other ocular issues, such as posterior segment complications that can significantly affect patients' sight. The unique shape of the sickle cells and their tendency to sickle during low oxygen conditions is central to why they can block blood vessels. This phenomenon is crucial to understand in the context of managing patients with sickle cell disease, as they may require careful monitoring and prompt intervention to prevent vision loss.