Risk Factors for Retinal Vein Occlusion in Adults under 60 Years: A Case–Control Study
Sadiya Aijaz, Rayees Ahmad Sofi, Younis Ahmad DarAbstract
Introduction:
Retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) cause significant visual morbidity. While traditional risk factors predominate in older patients, younger individuals often show distinct associations. This study evaluated systemic and hematological abnormalities in RVO patients aged under 60 years.
Methods:
This case–control study enrolled 75 patients with newly diagnosed RVO and 75 age- and sex-matched controls at a tertiary center in southern Kashmir (October 2022–April 2023). Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic and systemic evaluation, including fasting biochemical tests, inflammatory markers, and hypercoagulability profiles. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors.
Results:
Age and gender were comparable between groups. Conventional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lipid levels) showed no significant differences. Serum homocysteine was elevated in 66.7% of cases versus 0% of controls (
Conclusion:
RVO in patients under 60 years was not independently associated with conventional risk factors. Hyperhomocysteinemia showed a strong association with disease occurrence, suggesting its potential value as a screening biomarker in younger patients with RVO.