Homocysteine and retinal vein occlusion: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To report population data on the association between homocysteinemia and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, population-based study.

METHODS

Total serum homocysteine (tHcy) was estimated in subjects attending the second Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES) (n = 3509, aged >49 years). Its association with RVO (graded from retinal photographs) was examined.

RESULTS

Homocysteine was more strongly associated with RVO in younger than older participants. In those aged <70 years, homocysteine levels >15 micromol/l were associated with increased odds of RVO, odds ratio (OR) 3.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-13.40, in multivariable-adjusted analyses. Each 1 micromol/l increase in homocysteine was associated with a 7% increased odds of RVO, OR 1.07; CI 0.99-1.17 (P = .08).

CONCLUSION

This population-based study showed that elevated serum homocysteine is associated with the presence of RVO, independent of other risk factors.