Simultaneous bilateral retinal arterial occlusions treated by exchange transfusions.

Bilateral retinal vascular occlusions occurred simultaneously in a 25-year-old man. They were treated by exchange transfusions. After the transfusions, the patency of the previously occluded vessels was reestablished. Subsequently, the patient recovered good central vision. It is interesting to speculate how exchange transfusions, used during the past few years for treatment of life-threatening situations, may be useful for the treatment of retinal arterial occlusions in patients with sickle cell disease.