Sickle Cell Retinopathy

Sickle cell retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of the spectrum of sickle cell disease, an inherited group of hemoglobinopathies with numerous systemic and ocular presentations. Hemoglobin is an iron containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. It consists of two alpha polypeptide chains, each of which pairs with a beta, gamma or delta chain. The predominant hemoglobin molecule in mature circulation is Hemoglobin A (HbA), which consists of two alpha and two beta subunits. Hemoglobin F consists of two alpha and two gamma chains, and is the predominant hemoglobin until 6 weeks of age. Hemoglobin A2 consists of two alpha and two delta chains and is found at low levels in normal adult human blood. A single nucleotide mutation (GAG to GTG) at the 6th position of the beta chain causes the substitution of the amino acid valine for glutamic acid. Heterozygosity for this mutation results in sickle cell trait and homozygosity results in sickle cell disease (SCD). Other mutations in the beta subunit can result in hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC) and sickle thaslassemia (HbSThal).

Sickle cell patients should have a comprehensive eye examination at least annually.

Those residing within the following areas can have their eyes examined at Eyeupdate Eye Clinic, 01, Ajuwon bus stop:

Iju-road, near-agege, kola, alagbole, akute, ajuwon, lambe, matogun, matogbun, giwa, okearo, koye, oke, arifanla, baale, Road, fagba, abule, egba, agege, ogba, ikeja, G. R. A, oshodi, Berger, ojodu, omole, magodo, yaba, mowe, ibafo, shagamu, Ishagah, shomolu, heritage, estate, ajao, College Road, iju, Road, water, works, omole, magado, ketu, ojota, ikoyi, akiode bus stop, grammar school, first gate, Ala Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, Edo, Association, Club, Ikorodu, Ketu, ijoko, jankara, Ladipo, Ojota, Shomolu, Cele, Ogun, Lagos, Lagos Island, Lagos mainland, Ifako, Ijaye, eti osa, Oyo, Lisa, Obawole,Iju, Ishagah, Ishaga, Isaga, Isagah, Ishasi,Obawale,Owode, sang ota, abule egba, redeem camp, Ijebu ode, toll gate, bus stop, Street, along, Nigeria

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