Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors for Sickle Cell Retinopathy

Sickle cell retinopathy is a known complication of sickle cell disease. Sickle cell retinopathy is characterized by occlusion of the retinal vasculature resulting in ischemia and infarction of the retina and is classified into nonproliferative and proliferative subtypes. Patients with the latter subtype may experience serious vision impairments, including vision loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors such as bevacizumab have been proposed as a treatment to improve visual function in patients with sickle cell retinopathy.