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Epiretinal membranes in sickle cell retinopathy
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Epiretinal membranes are common in sickle cell disease patients, affecting 3.7% of eyes. Most cases were mild, preserving good vision, but severe complications can occur.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.
- Ocular complications in SCD can lead to significant vision loss.
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are a potential cause of visual impairment in the general population.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 769 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) was conducted.
- Hospital records and fundus photographs from 1978 to 1985 were analyzed.
- The study focused on the presence of epiretinal membranes in the posterior pole of the eye.
Findings:
- Epiretinal membranes were identified in 3.7% of eyes (158 out of 1486 eyes) across various SCD genotypes (hemoglobin SC, SS, and SB+ thalassemia).
- The majority of ERMs were mild, with 78.2% of affected eyes maintaining a visual acuity of 20/40 or better.
- Severe macular pucker was observed post-retinal detachment surgery, and one case progressed to a macular hole and retinal detachment.
Implications:
- Epiretinal membranes represent a common cause of maculopathy in patients with sickle cell disease.
- While often mild, ERMs can lead to severe visual complications in some individuals with SCD.
- Ophthalmologists should consider ERMs in the differential diagnosis of vision changes in SCD patients.