Prevalence and risk factors of retinal vein occlusion in Asian Indians - comparative study between Singapore and India

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its risk factors in Asian Indians - comparative study between Singapore and India

Methods: The Singapore Indian Eye (SINDI) Study is a population-based survey of 3,400 Indians aged between 40 to 80 years staying in urban Singapore. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination, standardized interviews and laboratory blood tests were performed. Digital retinal fundus photographs were assessed for the presence of RVO following the definitions used in the Blue Mountains Eye Study. The results were compared to the Central Indian Eye and Medical Study (CIEMS), a population-based study performed in rural Central India comprising 3424 Indians aged 30 years and above.

Results: A total of 3,173 persons [mean age 57.8 ± (SD) 10.1 years and 50.2% male] provided data in this study. The overall prevalence of retinal vein occlusion was 0.82% (n = 26) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71- 0.89%) - 23 branch and 4 central RVO. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07, per year increase), increasing systolic blood pressure (OR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03, per mmHg increase), hypertension (OR 2.60; 95% CI: 1.22, 5.51), ocular perfusion pressure (OR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12, per mmHg increase) and disc area (OR 2.84; 95% CI: 1.217, 6.33, per mm2 increase) were significantly associated with RVO. There was no significant association between RVO with mass body index, cholesterol, blood glucose, smoking, history of strokes or myocardial infarction. Compared to CIEMS, the association between RVO with older age and hypertension was consistent but no association with disc size was found.

Conclusions: RVOs were detected in 0.82% of the Indian population in Singapore. This was similar to the results of CIEMS (0.76%). Significant factors associated with RVOs in an urban Indian population were older age, increasing systolic blood pressure, hypertension, increasing ocular perfusion pressure and larger disc area.

Keywords: 688 retina • 749 vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease