Schisis in Sickle Cell Retinopathy

collagen fibrils, extracellular empty spaces(likelyclefts formedfromlipid removalduringprocessing), andpersistentlyactivatedkeratocytesaresimilar to these animal findings. The extracellular lipid collections, which likelycorrespondtothecrystallinedeposits seen clinically, probably arise fromchronicmechanical irritation to keratocytes that continually strive to heal the stromal wound. The breaks in the Bowman layer could correspond to predisposition to keratoconus and ectasia. Although the reinforced stromal bed was not strong enough to prevent further ectasia from developing in this case, longitudinal studies have not yet addressed the overall longterm success or stability of ICR segments for corneal ectasia beyond 1 year postoperatively. These studies are necessary to address whether the natural history of the ectasia changes after ICR segment implantation.