At a glance
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders associated with severe pain and complications that can affect the entire body. This page provides information on SCD and vision loss.
![Man with his head in an eye-scanning device.](/sickle-cell/media/images/visionexam.jpg)
Overview
Sickled cells can block blood flow in the blood vessels in the eye. A blockage can occur in any part of the eye, but a blockage in the blood vessels in the retina (layer of tissue in the back of the eye that sends images to your brain) is the most common.
People with a blockage may not experience any symptoms and then suddenly experience vision problems, leading to permanent blindness.
Resources
CDC resources
Other resources
Sickle Cell Disease: Vision Problems | University of Michigan Health
Sickle Cell Retinopathy | American Society of Retina Specialists
Retinopathy and Sickle Cell Disease | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital