Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk Profile: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Purpose To identify risk factors for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods This clinic-based case-control study included 408 patients with CRVO aged 21 years and older and 566 controls who were seen between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2001. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for various factors and test potential interactions between the different variables. Results An increased risk of CRVO was found in persons with systemic hypertension, but odds ratios were greater for older patients. Risk of CRVO increases with age and also in association with hypercoagulability. Diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and glaucoma were associated with increased risk for CRVO. A significantly greater prevalence of higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate was present in young adults compared with older patients. Conclusions The results suggest a relationship between CRVO and certain risk factors (systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, glaucoma, older age) and support the possibility of an association between CRVO and urban location. The findings also support the potential value of medical treatment of underlying medical conditions in preventing occurrence of CRVO.