Can sickle cell trait cause retinopathy?

Can sickle cell trait cause retinopathy?

Sickle cell trait (hemoglobin AS) is the most common genotype and has traditionally been considered a benign condition. Systemic and ocular complications are seen infrequently in patients with sickle cell trait. In the presence of concomitant systemic diseases or trauma, however, marked retinopathy can occur.

What is sickle cell retinopathy?

Disease. Sickle cell retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of the spectrum of sickle cell disease, an inherited group of hemoglobinopathies with numerous systemic and ocular presentations. Hemoglobin is an iron containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen.

What is the most common complication of sickle cell trait?

Pain. Pain is the most common complication of SCD, and the top reason that people with SCD go to the emergency department or hospital. Sickled cells traveling through small blood vessels can get stuck and block blood flow throughout the body, causing pain.

How can sickle cell retinopathy be prevented?

Regular eye exams and early identification and treatment by an eye specialist are the best ways to prevent vision loss caused by sickle cell retinopathy.

Can sickle cell cause eye problems?

Topic Overview. People who have sickle cell disease can sometimes have vision problems. Blood cells that change shape, or “sickle,” can get trapped in blood vessels, blocking the blood flow. When this blockage occurs in the small blood vessels in the inner lining (retina) of the eyes, it can cause vision problems.

How does sickle cell affect the eye?

Sickle cell maculopathy, which affects the center part of the retina, occurs when there is decreased blood flow to this part of the eye. This abnormal blood flow causes patches of retinal thinning (Figures 2A and 2B). Patients will sometimes note blind spots as a result.

Does sickle cell trait affect your eyes?

Sickle cell retinopathy is present in some patients with sickle cell disease. In sickle cell retinopathy, blockage of blood vessels in the retina and choroid (pronounced CORE-oid) results in abnormal blood vessel growth and thinning of the retina. These physical changes and their consequences can impair vision.

Can sickle cell trait cause problems?

It is not a disease. In general, people with sickle cell trait enjoy normal life spans with no medical problems related to sickle cell trait. Sickle cell trait can never become sickle cell disease. It is possible, however, for individuals with sickle cell trait to pass the gene to their children.

Can you have a crisis with sickle cell trait?

Unlike sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait patients do not have crises. They are for the most part asymptomatic. Their presentation is similar to patients with normal hemoglobin. They could have a family history positive for HbSS.

How does sickle cell anemia affect the eyes?

People who have sickle cell disease can sometimes have vision problems. Blood cells that change shape, or “sickle,” can get trapped in blood vessels, blocking the blood flow. When this blockage occurs in the small blood vessels in the inner lining (retina) of the eyes, it can cause vision problems.

Can sickle cell cause cataract?

Anterior segment abnormalities include the following: Segmentation “corkscrew” conjunctival vessel, more commonly seen in the inferior bulbar conjunctiva. Iris infarct and atrophy. Cataracts.

Can sickle cell cause glaucoma?

People with sickle cell trait (SCT) who experience an eye injury are more likely to develop glaucoma post-hyphema. This condition can lead to impaired vision and may even cause permanent eye damage.