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Epiretinal membranes in sickle cell disease
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Epiretinal membranes affect 4% of patients with sickle cell disease (SS or SC). Proliferative sickle retinopathy and vitreous hemorrhage are key risk factors, but treatment may reduce membrane formation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SS and SC types) can lead to serious eye complications.
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are a potential complication affecting vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of epiretinal membranes in patients with sickle cell disease.
- To identify risk factors associated with ERM formation in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 355 patients with homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease and sickle cell haemoglobin-C (SC) disease under 60 years.
- Assessment of epiretinal membrane presence, proliferative sickle retinopathy (PSR), and vitreous hemorrhage.
Main Results:
- Epiretinal membranes were observed in 4% of the studied eyes.
- Proliferative sickle retinopathy (PSR) extent, PSR presence, and vitreous hemorrhage were identified as significant risk factors for ERM formation.
- Treatment to occlude PSR lesions appeared to lower the risk of ERM development.
Conclusions:
- Epiretinal membranes are a notable complication in sickle cell disease patients.
- Managing proliferative sickle retinopathy is crucial for preventing epiretinal membrane formation and preserving vision.