Central retinal artery occlusion associated with hypertriglyceridemia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of central retinal artery occlusion associated with hypertriglyceridemia.

METHODS

A 46-year-old man presented with decreased vision and was found to have a central retinal artery occlusion. Laboratory testing demonstrated markedly elevated trig-lycerides with no other abnormalities. Tests for cardiac and carotid embolic sources and hypercoagulability were negative.

RESULTS

Dietary management and medication compliance resulted in dramatically decreased serum triglyceride levels. Vision remained poor during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Central retinal artery occlusion requires a medical evaluation for embolic and thrombotic sources. A fasting lipid panel is inexpensive to obtain and should be considered in the workup for central retinal artery occlusion.