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ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY FOR STAGES 3 AND 4 PROLIFERATIVE SICKLE CELL RETINOPATHY RESULTS IN
Jennifer I Lim1, Ogugua N Okonkwo2, Sally S Ong3,4
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago and Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, Illinois.
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|September 3, 2025
Summary
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy effectively treats proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSR), improving vision and controlling the condition in most patients. This treatment offers a promising option for managing advanced stages of PSR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSR) is a sight-threatening complication of sickle cell disease.
- Advanced stages (3 and 4) of PSR present significant challenges for vision preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in managing stages 3 and 4 proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSR).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review was conducted on patients with stages 3 and 4 PSR who received intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.
- Anatomical and visual acuity outcomes were analyzed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Most eyes (93%) achieved control of PSR without requiring surgery.
- Visual acuity improved or remained stable in the majority of treated eyes within one month.
- Stage 4 PSR eyes showed a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to stage 3 eyes.
Conclusions:
- Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is a viable treatment for advanced PSR, leading to regression of neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage.
- The therapy demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no reported cases of endophthalmitis.
- Anti-VEGF treatment, with or without laser, offers comparable visual outcomes in PSR management.
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