Evolution of the retinal black sunburst in sickling haemoglobinopathies

In a prospective study of 38 patients, who were initially selected as being at an early stage of sickling retinopathy, three developed circular black chorio-retinal scars (black sunbursts) during a period of 6 to 24 months. These lesions appear to be the sequelae of intraretinal and subretinal haemorrhage. They occur in the fundus periphery and do not interfere with vision.