Children with sickle cell disease should receive regular screenings for vision problems, similar to adults with the condition, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Sickle cell disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and sticky, leading to changes in shape resembling a farm tool. When these sickle-shaped cells become trapped in small blood vessels at the back of the eye, individuals can develop vision problems known as sickle retinopathy.
In the study, which involved a retrospective review of records from their institution, researchers found that one in three children with sickle cell disease had retinopathy. Of those with retinopathy, 9 percent required treatment. These findings suggest that regular vision screenings should be conducted for children with sickle cell disease to promptly identify and address any vision issues. The study’s results will be presented at the 127th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Furthermore, the study also assessed the effectiveness of various therapies for sickle cell disease. The researchers discovered that hydroxyurea and chronic transfusions were associated with a decreased risk of retinopathy, even when considering different genetic variants.
The study participants included 652 patients aged 10 to 25 years, who underwent eye exams over a 12-year period. The findings showed that 33 percent of the participants had nonproliferative retinopathy, while 6 percent had proliferative retinopathy. Among those with retinopathy, 33 eyes required panretinal photocoagulation, with the majority being treated for stage 3 proliferative retinopathy. Five eyes received intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, all for proliferative retinopathy. Additionally, two patients experienced complications such as retinal detachment and retinal artery occlusion.
Only one patient experienced vision loss, with a central retinal artery occlusion leading to a final best corrected visual acuity of 20/60. The researchers hope that this study will help improve patient care for individuals with sickle cell disease and promote the implementation of timely ophthalmic screenings to prevent vision-threatening complications associated with the condition.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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