Ocular Complications in Sickle Cell Disease: A Neglected Issue

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a common genetic blood disorder. It causes severe systemic complications including ocular involvement. The degree of ocular complications is not necessarily based on the severity of the systemic disease. Both the anterior and posterior segments in the eye can be compromised due to pathological processes of sickle cell disease. However, ocular manifestations in the retina are considered the most important in terms of frequency and visual impairment. Eye complications could be one of the silent systemic sickle cell disease complications. Hence, periodic ophthalmic examination should be added to the prophylactic and treatment protocols. This review article is to emphasize the ocular manifestations in sickle cell disease as it is a silent complication which became neglected issue. Once the ocular complications diagnosed, then treatment to be provided in the specialized ophthalmology centers.