Calcification of Bruch's membrane in angioid streaks with homozygous sickle cell disease.

Histochemical and light and electron microscopic studies of two eyes of a patient with homozygous sickle cell disease and angioid streaks demonstrated heavy calcification and breaks in Bruch's membrane. We were unable to demonstrate iron deposition by histochemical techniques or transmission electron microscopy. These studies suggest that calcification rather than iron deposition is the major factor leading to brittleness of Bruch's membrane in patients with hemolytic anemia and angioid streaks.