Mortality risk associated with ocular ischemic syndrome in New Orleans

Abstract

Purpose To explore the relationship between ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) and mortality in a New Orleans patient population. Methods Thirty-two patients diagnosed with OIS at University Medical Center (UMC) in New Orleans, Louisiana between 2011 and 2022 were compared to a historical population with respect to prevalence of systemic diseases and the mortality rate Results The five-year mortality rate was 21% and the ten-year mortality rate was 38%. Associated disease and risk factors included hypertension (91%), diabetes mellitus (62%), ischemic heart disease (31%), cerebrovascular accident (22%), peripheral vascular disease (22%), and a history of smoking (66%). Conclusion A diagnosis of OIS is associated with high rates of ocular and systemic diseases. High morbidity and mortality rates persist despite improvements in medical and surgical care.