Clinical and demographic profile, systemic risk factors, and visual prognosis in branch retinal vein occlusion: Analysis of big data study

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the clinical and demographic profile, risk factors, and outcomes of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, multicenter, and retrospective study analyzed data from patients diagnosed with BRVO between August 2010 and June 2021. Patients with BRVO in at least one eye were included, and data were collected using an electronic medical record system. Results: A total of 13,667 patients (14,581 eyes) were diagnosed with BRVO, representing 0.48% of the total patient population. The majority were male (57.80%) and had unilateral involvement (93.31%). The most common age of presentation was during the 6 th (31.35%) and 7 th (31.57%) decades of life. The prevalence was higher in patients from urban areas (0.59%). Among patients younger than 40 years, dyslipidemia (Odds ratios [OR]: 13.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.33–28.18) and hyperhomocysteinemia (OR: 25.97; 95% CI: 9.66–69.8) were strongly associated with BRVO. In patients older than 40 years, hypertension (HTN) (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.27–1.39) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.2–1.32) were the most significant risk factors. The mean presenting visual acuity was logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (log MAR) 0.70 ± 0.70, which improved to 0.50 ± 0.50 at the final visit. The most common ocular comorbidities included cataracts (18.60%), vitreous hemorrhage (5.52%), and glaucoma (4.73%). Intravitreal injections were administered to 25.66%, vitrectomy was performed in 3.35%, and glaucoma surgery was performed in 0.34% eyes. Conclusion: Systemic comorbidities such as HTN, DM, dyslipidemia, and hyperhomocysteinemia showed strong associations, particularly in different age groups. Despite moderate visual impairment at presentation, timely interventions contributed to meaningful visual improvement in a significant number of patients.