Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Published date: Jun 18 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: ‎Volume 20 - 2025

Pages: 1 - 4

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v20.14699

Corey Lachercoreylacher@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA

Aliya C. Roginielaliya.roginiel@gmail.comShiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA

Elmira Baghdasaryanebaghdasaryan@northwell.eduNorthwell Health Eye Institute, New Hyde Park, NY

Alexader A. Svoronosalexsvoronos@gmail.comShiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA

Philip J. Ferronepjferrone@gmail.comNorthwell Health Eye Institute, New Hyde Park, NY

Isha Cheelaicheela@northwell.eduNorthwell Health Eye Institute, New Hyde Park, NY

Purpose: To report the second documented case of spontaneous sickle cell retinopathy due to hemoglobin SE disease, and the third in association with this condition overall.
Case Report: An asymptomatic 19-year-old African American woman with hemoglobin SE disease and no other significant past medical history presented for a routine eye exam. Fundoscopy revealed two sunburst lesions in the temporal periphery of her right eye and one such lesion in the temporal periphery of her left eye. No definitive signs of neovascularization were detected on fluorescein angiography, although multiple areas of abnormal vasculature and distal nonperfusion were observed.
Conclusion: Spontaneous peripheral retinopathy can develop at an early age in hemoglobin SE disease. Given the risk for complications, pediatric screening with regular fundoscopic examination may benefit such patients.

Keywords: African American, Pediatric Screening, Retinopathy, Sickle Cell Disease

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