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 m (±14.63 m), and the mean central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) was 203.46 m (±18.84 m). The mean CRAE and CRVE of the control eyes were 148.15 m (± 15.89 m) and 211.12 m (±18.54 m), 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.