Cryotherapy of proliferative sickle retinopathy, II: triple freeze-thaw cycle

Complete closure of retinal neovascularisation due to proliferative sickle cell retinopathy was achieved in 28 'sea fans' (areas of neovascularisation) in 9 eyes of 9 patients by means of a triple freeze-thaw technique. However, 2 eyes developed subsequent rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, presumably related to vitreous traction on necrotic retina. We therefore recommend photocoagulation as the best treatment of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. If opacities in the media prevent photocoagulation, a single freeze-thaw cycle is preferable.