Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability
07:23

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability

Published on: August 6, 2021

Hyperhomocysteinemia: a new risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion

A K Vine1

  • 1University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Elevated plasma homocysteine, a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is a significant risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring homocysteine levels for eye health.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is a known risk factor for various vascular diseases.
  • Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a serious vascular condition affecting the eye.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion.
  • To determine the association between high homocysteine levels and CRVO incidence.

Main Methods:

  • A case-controlled study was conducted with 74 patients diagnosed with CRVO.
  • Control subjects were individuals assessed for non-retinal vascular diseases.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as total plasma homocysteine above the 95th percentile in controls.

Main Results:

  • Patients with CRVO had a higher mean plasma homocysteine level (11.58 mumol/L) compared to controls (9.49 mumol/L).
  • 21.6% of CRVO patients exhibited hyperhomocysteinemia (odds ratio, 6.53; P = .003).
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in cases with bilateral disease (55%), ischemic CRVO (30%), and severe vision loss (31%).

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is confirmed as a significant risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between homocysteine levels and CRVO pathogenesis.
  • Monitoring homocysteine may be beneficial in assessing CRVO risk.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Cells06:21

Isolation of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Cells

Published on: November 4, 2022

In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility07:35

In Vivo Vascular Injury Readouts in Mouse Retina to Promote Reproducibility

Published on: April 21, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...