The Conjunctival Sign in Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract

Patients with homozygous sickle cell disease were divided into five groups according to the extent of abnormal vessels in the conjunctival vasculature. There was a significant relationship between the grade of abnormality and the number of irreversibly sickled cells, suggesting that these cells may be related to the genesis of these vessel anomalies. Evidence is accumulating that irreversibly sickled cells are related to several pathological processes in sickle cell anemia, and we believe the sign may be useful not only in suggesting the diagnosis but also in gauging the severity of the condition.