Abstract Objectives Sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) is a vision-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), yet patient awareness of ocular risks remains limited. This study aimed to assess knowledge of ocular complications and eye care practices among adult SCD patients. Methods Adult SCD patients at the UI Health Adult Sickle Cell Center completed a structured questionnaire evaluating understanding of ocular complications and eye care practices. Responses were analyzed to identify knowledge strengths and gaps. Results Among 64 participants, overall knowledge of ocular complications was low (mean score 2.7/7). While most knew SCD can affect vision (61%) and that blindness may be preventable (63%), fewer recognized that SCD can cause blindness (41%). Only 28% identified the emergency department as the appropriate first point of care for sudden vision loss. Despite 55% reporting annual eye exams, 8% were unable to distinguish between refraction testing and dilated fundus exams, suggesting misconceptions even among those engaged in care. Participants with an established ophthalmologist (n = 36) demonstrated higher mean knowledge scores than those without (n = 20): 2.97 versus 2.30 (mean difference = 0.67, p = 0.063). Conclusion Knowledge of SCR was limited, with notable gaps in emergency triage and understanding of specialized eye exams. Integrating ophthalmic education into hematology visits may enhance awareness, encourage timely eye care, and improve early detection of vision-threatening disease.
Solarin et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: