Risk factors associated with branch vs. central retinal vein occlusion.

Records of 145 consecutive central and 214 branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO and BRVO) patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine the differences in risk factors associated with these two diseases. Mean ages and sex ratios of both groups did not differ significantly. Hypertension and hyperopia were significantly more prevalent in BRVO than in CRVO, and elevated intraocular pressure, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and a positive tuberculin skin test were significantly more prevalent in CRVO. We conclude that the causes of the ESR elevation are more significant risk factors for CRVO, and systemic hypertension and hyperopia continue to be the main risk factors for BRVO.