Ophthalmic Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease: Update of the Latest Findings

Purpose of review: Recent developments in the diagnosis and management of sickle cell ocular manifestations are reviewed to enable the clinician to better manage the ophthalmic care of these patients. Recent findings: Research over the past year has focused upon systemic and ocular clues to the presence of sickle cell retinopathy. In addition, newer imaging modalities, such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and wide-field imaging, have resulted in the detection of subclinical retinopathy related to sickle cell disease. Decreased retinal function (via microperimetry testing) has also been detected in association with areas of retinal thinning. Identification of these ocular and systemic factors that are associated with sickle cell retinopathy will help identify those patients who most need to be screened for sickle cell retinopathy. Summary: The awareness of subclinical disease as well as the identification of systemic factors associated with higher prevalence of sickle cell retinopathy will aid the clinician in identifying patients are at higher risk of retinopathy.