Retinal venous occlusion and its association with atherosclerotic vascular disease

Abstract

Retinal venous occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of decreased visual acuity due to retinal vascular involvement, after diabetic retinopathy. Its etiology is not completely clear. Current scientific evidence suggests that it is related to the atherosclerotic process based on the high number of cardiovascular risk factors and the higher incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients. In fact, RVO has a 45% increased risk of stroke, 26% of acute myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease, 53% of heart failure and a 36% increase in overall mortality, compared to the general population adjusted for age, sex and the different cardiovascular risk factors. However, no increase in cardiovascular mortality has been detected. Therefore, a multidisciplinary clinical approach to this entity is essential.