Eye Problems (Retinopathy) & Sickle Cell

The retina is the part of the eye that contains cells that gather light. Damage to the retina can occur when blood flow to the eye becomes blocked by sickle cells. This can cause vision impairment. Generally, such problems develop in adulthood and are more common with patients who have Sickle Cell SC and Thalassemia. For this reason, doctors recommend Sickle Cell patients have their eyes examined once a year by an optometrist.