Assessment of risk factors, central foveal thickness, visual acuity outcome and therapeutic approach in retinal vein occlusion patients of different age groups: a retrospective record based study

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to investigate associated systemic diseases, other risk factors, visual prognosis, treatment approach and central foveal thickness in retinal vein occlusion patients of different age groups.Methods: This single centre, retrospective record based hospital study included patients with retinal vein occlusion presenting to ophthalmic department. All the records of 30 patients were reviewed and data was abstracted and analysed. Initial and final clinical parameters e.g. visual acuity, central foveal thickness, age-group distribution, risk factors, therapeutic approach were analysed.Results: Out of 30 patients, 19 patients were of age-group >50 years and 11 were <50 years. In present study, most common type of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) was ST- BRVO in both the groups. Most common association of RVO in group >50 years was hypertension (84%), and <50 years was hypertension (27.3%), raised lipid level (TG, cholesterol) (27%) and raised serum homocysteine. Patients with uncontrolled DM and hypertension (in our study, 2 patients) required multiple injections even after 4 months of follow-up. Age-group <50 years had better visual acuity and central foveal thickness at initial and final presentation. Raised serum homocysteine level associated with RVO in age-group <50 years (27.3%) versus age-group >50 years (5%).Conclusions: Patients with good control of systemic disorders with RVO shows significantly improved (p value<0.05) visual acuity and central foveal thickness, in both the age-groups. Patients of age group >50 years were more associated with systemic disorder e.g., hypertension and DM. Patients of age group <50 years were more associated with medical condition e.g. hyperlipidemia, raised serum homocysteine. In present study, single patient in age-group <50 years was associated only with sudden and severe dehydration.