PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS AND SERUM LIPID PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VENOUS OCCLUSIVE DISORDERS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Aim: To observe the levels of Plasma Homocysteine and Serum Lipids in patients diagnosed with Retinal Vein Occlusions. Methods: 25 patients diagnosed with Retinal Venous Occlusion (CRVO, BRVO, HRVO) with age of less than or equal to 50 years which constituted 11 males and 14 females with mean age of 44.52 years were investigated for Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Serum Lipid Profile. Results: Of the 25 patients of retinal venous Occlusion, levels of Plasma Homocysteineof more than 12 ?mol/L were observed in 22 patients accounting for 88% of the cases. Total Cholesterol levels were elevated above normal in 13 patients accounting for 52% of the cases. Serum HDL cholesterol levels were reduced below normal in 6 patients (24% of cases). Serum LDL cholesterol levels were elevated above normal in 17 patients (68% of cases). Serum VLDL Cholesterol levels were elevated above normal in 12 patients (48% of cases). Serum Triglyceride levels were elevated in 5 patients (20% of cases). Conclusion: In our study Homocysteine levels were elevated in 22 patients (88% of cases) with Retinal Venous Occlusion Disorder and Dyslipidemia (Hypercholesterolemia) was observed in 13 patients accounting for 52% of cases. Hence detection and management of systemic risk factors helps in reducing the risk of occurrence of future Ocular as well as Systemic vaso-occlusive events.