Retinal Vein Occlusion in Benin City, Nigeria

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the most common occlusive retinal vascular disorder and results in varying degrees of visual loss.

To determine the pattern of presentation, risk factors, and treatment outcomes in a group of patients with RVO seen in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Medical records of patients who presented to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria in whom a diagnosis of RVO was made over a 5 years period were reviewed. Data obtained were analyzed with the GraphPad Instat Software, Inc. version V2.05a program, San Diego, Califonia and a P < 0.05 considered significant.

There were 20 patients made of 14 (70.0%) males and 6 (30.0%) females with a mean age of 62.7 ± 10.4 years. There were 15 (68.2%) eyes with central RVO, 3 (13.6%) eyes with branch RVO, and 4 (18.2%) eyes with hemi RVO. Bilateral involvement occurred in 2 (10.0%) patients. Risk factors included hypertension 14 (70.0%), diabetes mellitus 9 (45.0%), and glaucoma 5 (22.7%). Multiple risk factors were present in 14 (70.0%) patients. Complications included macula edema 15 (68.2%), retinal neovascularization 5 (22.7%), neovascular glaucoma 3 (13.6%), and vitreous hemorrhage 2 (9.1%). Eyes which had definitive treatment with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factors and laser photocoagulation for macula edema and retinal neovascularization, respectively, had better visual acuity compared to eyes which did not receive these treatment, P = 0.002.

The incidence and visual loss that occurs from RVO can be reduced by modifying known risk factors and early institution of appropriate therapy for complications that occur.