Surgery achieves 70% single-surgery anatomical success in sickle cell retinopathySurgery for Sickle Cell Retinopathy Shows 70% Success Rate

Frontiers in Medicine Published July 24, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

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Key Takeaway

Consider surgical treatment for sickle cell retinopathy, noting a ~70% single-surgery success rate but limited evidence.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated surgical outcomes in patients with sickle cell retinopathy, pooling data from 7 studies comprising 408 eyes. The primary outcome was single-surgery anatomical success (SSAS), with a pooled rate of approximately 70% (logit-transformed proportion 0.83; 95% CI: 0.24–1.42; I² = 29.73%). Across individual studies, SSAS ranged from 60% to 83%. Secondary outcomes indicated improved final visual acuity, though effect sizes and confidence intervals were not reported.

The authors note several limitations, including the small number of studies, small sample sizes, and increased heterogeneity likely driven by small study size. Adverse events and follow-up duration were not reported. The analysis is based on observational or clinical data, so causality cannot be inferred.

For clinicians, surgical treatment appears to offer favorable anatomical and visual outcomes in sickle cell retinopathy, but the evidence base is limited. The pooled success rate of approximately 70% provides a benchmark, but individual patient factors and potential complications must be weighed. Further larger, standardized studies are needed to strengthen these findings.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis extends prior coverage on sickle cell disease by focusing on a specific ocular complication and surgical management. Previous items highlighted high disease prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and emerging gene therapies, but none addressed surgical outcomes for retinopathy. The pooled 70% anatomical success rate provides a quantitative benchmark that was lacking, though the small evidence base contrasts with the robust data on screening and systemic treatments.

A new analysis of seven studies involving 408 eyes suggests that surgery for sickle cell retinopathy, a complication of sickle cell disease, can be effective. The pooled single-surgery anatomical success rate was about 70%, ranging from 60% to 83% across studies. Patients also experienced improved final visual acuity after surgery.

The analysis, a systematic review and meta-analysis, combined data from small studies. The results are promising, but the small number of studies and sample sizes increase the variability of the findings. No safety data, such as complications or side effects, were reported in the analysis.

Because this is a meta-analysis of existing studies, it cannot prove that surgery causes better outcomes, only that there is an association. The findings suggest surgery is a reasonable option, but clinicians should weigh benefits against possible complications.

For patients with sickle cell retinopathy, this review provides reassurance that surgery often succeeds in one operation and can improve vision. However, individual results may vary, and it is important to discuss risks and benefits with a doctor.

What this means for you:

Surgery for sickle cell retinopathy has a high success rate and improves vision, but evidence is based on small studies.

Common questions

What is the success rate of surgery for sickle cell retinopathy?

The pooled single-surgery anatomical success rate is about 70%, ranging from 60% to 83% across the seven studies reviewed.

Does surgery improve vision in sickle cell retinopathy?

Yes, the review found that patients had improved final visual acuity after surgery.

What are the risks of surgery for sickle cell retinopathy?

The review did not report on adverse events or complications. Patients should discuss potential risks with their doctor.

How many studies were included in this analysis?

The analysis included seven studies covering 408 eyes with sickle cell retinopathy.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJul 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

IntroductionSickle cell retinopathy is a consequence of sickle cell disease that results from vascular complications. Sickle cell disease is predominantly prevalent in Africa, evidenced by 20% to 30% of the population in Gabon, Cameroon, and Ghana being affected by it. This systematic review aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients with sickle cell retinopathy to inform evidence-based management of late stages of sickle cell retinopathy.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A Literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane (CENTRAL) on 05/08/2025. Inclusion criteria included studies with patients with sickle cell retinopathy who underwent surgery and reported anatomical and/or visual outcomes. A random effects single-arm meta-analysis was carried out in the anatomical success group using JASP software, and the risk of bias was evaluated using JBI and RoB2 tools.Results7 studies, comprising 408 eyes, were included. Overall, the evidence showed that surgical treatment in patients with sickle cell retinopathy results in improved final visual acuity and high single-surgery anatomical success (SSAS, between 60% to 83%). The pooled SSAS data, based on logit-transformed proportions, yielded an effect of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.24–1.42), corresponding to a pooled SSAS of approximately 70% (95% CI: 56–80%), with low, non-significant heterogeneity among the included studies (Q (4) = 5.61, p = 0.230; I² = 29.73% [0.00, 92.46]). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis confirmed that the estimate was robust, with the pooled SSAS ranging from approximately 66% to 74% across iterations.DiscussionStudies have reported a considerable gain in final visual acuity and anatomical success in patients undergoing surgery for sickle cell retinopathy. The small number of studies and small sample sizes increase heterogeneity. Therefore, although the results indicate favourable surgical outcomes, clinicians must weigh up the benefits of surgery against possible complications. In conclusion, more studies are warranted to guide evidence-based medicine.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251165357, identifier CRD420251165357.

Surgery achieves 70% single-surgery anatomical success in sickle cell retinopathySurgery for Sickle Cell Retinopathy Shows 70% Success Rate

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

Study Details

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Surgery achieves 70% single-surgery anatomical success in sickle cell retinopathySurgery for Sickle Cell Retinopathy Shows 70% Success Rate

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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Study Details

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