Comments and Conclusions

  • Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic diseases worldwide. It is most frequently seen in the African-American population.
  • Sickle cell anemia (SS) is much more severe systemically; however patients have mild ocular manifestations. Sickle cell C disease (SC), though less severe systemically, is associated with severe retinopathy1-5.
  • Spontaneous regression of “sea-fans” occurs approximately 32%-49% of the time in SC patients4,5.
  • Scattered sectoral photocoagulation is thought to be the most effective treatment for new vessel occlusion with a rate of regression of about 81%6,7.
  • 360 degree peripheral circumferential scatter photocoagulation is reserved for extensive peripheral neovascularization9.
  • Argon laser treatment, either sectoral or circumferential, reduces the oxygen demand; therefore, resulting in regression of neovascular growth8.
  • There is one report on the successful use of Avastin injections. Comparisons of photocoagulation to anti-VEGF treatment have not yet been reported11.