PREVALENCE OF HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Recently multiple studies have shown that elevated homocysteine levels may be associated with ophthalmic vascular disease. To investigate the role of high plasma levels of homocysteine in the patients with retinal vein occlusion, 21 patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and 20 age and sex matched controls without RVO were included in this retrospective case–control study. Information regarding sex, age, blood pressure, history of diabetes, history of glaucoma were obtained from all participants. Plasma level of homocysteine was measured by high plasma liquid chromatography. Mean plasma total homocysteine level was significantly higher in patients than controls (14.17 ± 9.91 versus 8.97 ± 3.10 μmol/L, P < 0.031). Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 5 of the 21 patients (25%) but only one control had elevated plasma homocysteine (5%). Hyperhomocysteinemia is highly associated with retinal vein occlusion; therefore, its measurement may be useful in the management of these patients.