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[Incidence of retinal vein occlusion during the football World Cup in 2014 : A database analysis]
1Augenklink der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336, München, Deutschland. felice.lob@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Insights
Emotional stress from the FIFA World Cup may increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This study found a 69% rise in RVO cases during and after the 2014 World Cup compared to the previous year.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular events are linked to emotional triggers like the FIFA World Cup.
- Retinal angiopathy is associated with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases.
- The study examines the ophthalmological impact of major sporting events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if retinal vein occlusion (RVO) incidence increased during and after the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
- To explore the correlation between emotional strain from major events and RVO development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the Smart Eye database at a German university eye clinic.
- Identified RVO cases during the 2014 World Cup (June 12 - Aug 13) and compared with the same period in 2013.
- Extracted and compared demographic data, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP).
Main Results:
- A 69% increase in RVO cases was observed in 2014 (26 patients) compared to 2013 (18 patients).
- The 2014 cohort showed a higher incidence of central RVO (CRVO), branch RVO (BRVO), and hemi-CRVO.
- Average visual acuity improved in 2014, while average IOP remained similar.
Conclusions:
- A significant increase in RVO incidence occurred during and after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Emotional stress associated with the World Cup may be a contributing risk factor for RVO.
- Further multi-center data is needed to generalize these findings.
Background:
The association between cardiovascular events, such as acute coronary syndrome and emotional triggers, such as football world cups is well-known. Significant differences could sometimes be identified depending on the country of origin and design of the study. From an ophthalmological perspective the correlation between pre-existing cardiovascular diseases and retinal angiopathy is well-known. This study investigated whether the incidence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) at a German university eye clinic increased during and 4 weeks after the 2014 football World Cup.
Methods:
From the electronic files of almost 290,000 patients contained in the Smart Eye database, those with RVO during and 4 weeks after the 2014 football World Cup (from 12 June to 13 August 2014) and during the same time period in 2013 could be identified. Demographic data, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and laboratory parameters were extracted and compared, when available.
Results:
From 10 male (average age 68 years) and 8 female (average age 62 years) a total of 9 central RVO (CRVO), 8 branch RVO (BRVO) and 1 hemi-CRVO were identified in 2013 with a visual acuity ranging from 0.05 to 0.9 (average 0.39) and an IOP from 12 mmHg to 25 mmHg (average 16 mmHg). In 2014 a total of 26 patients (11 male average age 67 years and 15 female average age 76 years) were identified, an increase of 69 % (15 CRVO, 6 BRVO and 5 hemi-CRVO). The visual acuity ranged from 0.05 to 1.0 (average 0.63) and the IOP from 8 mmHg to 24 mmHg (average 15 mmHg).
Conclusion:
Due to the high comparability of the patient collectives an increase of RVO during and 4 weeks after the 2014 football World Cup could be identified, compared to the same period in 2013. It can be assumed that emotional strain caused by a World Cup is a risk factor. Data from other centers have to be assessed in order to be able to make a more general statement.
