Retinal vessel caliber and risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To describe the association between retinal vessel caliber and risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 10,890 participants who underwent a health checkup at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between January 2006 and December 2006. BRVO was diagnosed from retinal photographs taken for both eyes. Retinal vascular caliber measurements were performed using a computer-assisted program. Risk factors were assessed based on a patient-answered questionnaire and laboratory investigations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for BRVO.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of BRVO was 0.8%. Among all BRVO patients, the mean central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) was 142.59 µm (±14.63 µm), and the mean central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) was 203.46 µm (±18.84 µm). The mean CRAE and CRVE of the control eyes were 148.15 µm (± 15.89 µm) and 211.12 µm (±18.54 µm), respectively. There were significant differences in mean CRAE and CRVE between the control group and the BRVO group (P < 0.05). Arterial hypertension was an important risk factor for BRVO (OR: 1.02 (1.01-1.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with BRVO had narrow CRAE and CRVE when compared with age- and gender-matched normal eyes. Generalized attenuation of retinal vessel caliber may be characteristic of eyes with BRVO. Emphasis on blood pressure control is needed for the prevention of BRVO.