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Sickle Cell Disease: Vision Problems
Topic Overview
People who have Reference sickle cell disease Opens New Window 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 (Reference retina Opens New Window) of the eyes, it can cause vision problems. This most often occurs in people who have hemoglobin SC disease, a type of sickle cell disease.
In the worst cases, the retina may come loose, leading to permanent blindness. This may happen suddenly, without any warning.
Early detection can help prevent these problems. Have your child's eyes checked during the newborn period and again at all routine well-child visits.Reference 1 And get routine eye exams as an adult. Try to go to a doctor who specializes in eye problems (Reference ophthalmologist Opens New Window).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 1, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology |
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