Malnutrition and bilateral central retinal vein occlusion in a young woman: a case report

Can vitamin B12 and folate deficiency cause central retinal vein occlusion? We conducted a literature search to find out whether nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate can lead to impaired vision.

The patient in the article presented in an eye-casualty department in the North East of England with gradual painless visual loss over six weeks. She was found to have bilateral central retinal vein occlusion with significant anaemia and vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine. We found a large amount of published data relating central retinal vein occlusion to elevated homocysteine levels, but there was a lack of conclusive evidence for this association Patients should be asked about their dietary history where a thrombotic event is suspected or confirmed.