Hyperhomocysteinia is a risk factor for retinal venous occlusion: A case control study

Background: We evaluated the role of hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in Indian patients. Type of Study: Matched case control type of longitudinal study was conducted in 2006-2007. Materials and Methods: Two medical retina specialists examined the eyes having an event of RVO in the last 15 days. A similar number of eyes without RVO were also examined. The serum and urine homocysteine levels of these persons were tested. Matched pair analysis was carried out to determine the risk of RVO among those with hyperhomocysteinemia. Results: We included 20 cases of RVO and 20 age-and sex-matched persons without RVO. The risk of RVO was significantly higher in persons with hyperhomocysteinemia [difference of mean 31.62 mu mol/L (95% Confidence Interval 16.60-47.86), P = 2.1 x 10(-13)]. The mean urine homocysteine level among cases and controls was not statistically significant. There were 12 persons with hypertension in both cases and control groups. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for RVO. Any list of investigations for a case of RVO should include total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels.