Systemic risk factors for retinal vein occlusion in young and middle-aged patients

Abstract

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is an acute vascular retinal disorder, which is associated with local or general endothelial dysfunction. Up to 25 % of RVO cases occur in young and middle-aged patients. The article reviews possible causes of RVO in young and middle-aged subjects. The authors pay attention to independent risk factors for RVO including arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and acquired and hereditary thrombophilia. Considering a multifactorial origin of RVO, the authors emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the management of patients with RVO.