The Role of Axial Length in Central and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

To assess whether the axial length is a local risk factor in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). The axial lengths of affected and fellow eyes of 19 patients with CRVO and 27 with BRVO and of their controls were measured with A-scan ultrasonography. The control group consisted of 17 individuals for CRVO and 25 for BRVO matched in age, sex and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in patient groups. The results of measurements in affected, unaffected and control eyes were compared. The mean axial length was different among the affected and unaffected eyes in patients with CRVO and their controls (P < .05). The affected eyes had significantly shorter axial length compared to the fellow and control eyes (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). In the BRVO group, the mean axial length did not differ among affected, unaffected and control eyes (P > .05). Our study demonstrates a significantly shorter axial length in eyes with CRVO and not significantly shorter axial length in those with BRVO. The shorter axial length could be an additional risk factor in the pathogenesis of CRVO.