The association between triglyceride-glucose atherogenic predictor index and central retinal artery occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an acute ischemic event causing severe visual loss and is a precursor to further cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) indicates insulin resistance in healthy individuals. Numerous research links the TyG index to metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and new-onset diabetes. Recent research also suggests its role as a sign of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases, with potential clinical significance in assessing vascular damage. In this study, the relationship between CRAO and TyG index was evaluated. Materials and Methods: This case-control study involved 116 adults (50 CRAO patients and 66 control subjects without chronic eye diseases) at our hospital from January 2018 to March 2023. The TyG index was formulated as ln[fasting TG (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Results: The CRAO group had a mean age of 65.0±14.7 years, with 27 (55.1 % 54) females. The control group had a mean age of 61.2±12.1 years, with 32 (48.5) females. The mean TyG index was 9.05±0.7 in the CRAO group and 8.7±0.7 in controls, a statistically significant difference. Univariate regression analysis showed an association between the TyG index and CRAO (OR=2.04; CI: 1.11-3.73). This association remained significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR=1.88; CI: 1.01-3.50). Conclusion: This study found a significantly higher mean TyG index, an atherogenic indicator, in CRAO patients compared to controls.