Risk factors of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) a study at tertiary care centre

Retinal vein occlusion is second most common retinal vascular disorder after diabetic retinopathy. BRVO caused due to occlusion of branch vein of retina with involvement of particular quadrant. On ophthalmoscopic examination patient will have retinal edema and or macular edema with superficial and deep retinal haemorrhages and venous dilatation within the affected sector. The most recognized risk factor for BRVO are age and systemic vascular disorders

Prospective observational study was done for the period of one year. Patients more than 30 years of age attending ophthalmology OPD found to have BRVO were evaluated for various risk factors after taking consent. History and thorough eye examination were carried out including fundus photography and fluorescein angiography

In this study 38 patients of more than 30 years (32–75 years) found to have BRVO out of which 21 were male and 17 were female. 25 cases (65.78%) (p-value 0.0384) having hypertension, 8 case (21.05%) (p-value 0.135) having diabetes, 7 (18.42%) (p-value 0.04) were smokers, 13 (34.21%) (p-value 0.0008) were having altered lipid profile, 15 (65.22%) (p value < 0.001) out of 23 cases were having higher homocysteine level.2 cases (5.26%) were alcoholics. All these diseases are causing BRVO in a combination

With the help of modern instrument and technology branch retinal vein occlusion can be easily diagnosed and treated. It is a multi-factorial disease affect the eyes of an individual having hypertension with other risk factors like ageing, hyperlipidaemia, homocysteinemia etc. so beware of four H, higher age, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, homocysteinemia