CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score in Predicting Visual Acuity Outcomes Following Retinal Vein Occlusion

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a significant cause of vision loss.
• The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is established for assessing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation.
• The prognostic value of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score in RVO visual outcomes is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and visual acuity prognosis in patients with RVO.
• To determine if a higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score predicts poorer visual outcomes following RVO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 83 patients diagnosed with branch or central RVO.
• Patients stratified into three groups based on CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores: 0-2, 3-5, and 6-9.
• Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes evaluated at 1-year follow-up post-RVO.

Main Results:

• Patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores of 6-9 exhibited significantly worse BCVA prognosis at 1 year compared to lower score groups.
• The mean visual acuity change for the high-score group (6-9) was +0.60 LogMAR units.
• Lower CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (0-2 and 3-5) were associated with stable or improved visual acuity.

Conclusions:

• A CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 6 or higher is associated with a poorer visual acuity prognosis after RVO.
• The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score may serve as a useful tool for predicting visual outcomes in RVO patients.
• Further research could explore the underlying mechanisms linking systemic vascular risk factors to RVO prognosis.