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Homocysteine and retinal vein occlusion: a population-based study
Brian Chua1, Annette Kifley, Tien Y Wong
1Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 18, 2005
Summary
Elevated serum homocysteine is linked to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), particularly in individuals under 70. This finding highlights homocysteine as a potential risk factor for RVO, independent of other known factors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a significant cause of vision loss.
- Homocysteine, an amino acid, has been implicated in vascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum homocysteine levels and the prevalence of RVO in a population-based cohort.
- To determine if this association is independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, population-based study design was employed.
- Total serum homocysteine (tHcy) levels were measured in 3509 participants aged over 49 years from the Blue Mountains Eye Study.
- RVO was diagnosed and graded from retinal photographs.
Main Results:
- Elevated homocysteine levels (>15 micromol/l) were associated with increased odds of RVO in participants younger than 70 years (OR 3.76).
- A trend suggested a 7% increased odds of RVO for every 1 micromol/l increase in homocysteine, though not statistically significant (P = .08).
- The association between homocysteine and RVO was observed to be stronger in younger participants.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum homocysteine is significantly associated with the presence of RVO.
- This association persists independently of other established risk factors for RVO.
- Homocysteine may represent a modifiable risk factor for RVO.