Comparative peripheral inflammatory biomarker profiles in central and branch retinal artery occlusion: a retrospective study

CRAO and BRAO exhibit distinct systemic inflammatory profiles. CRAO is characterized by higher leukocyte and lymphocyte levels, suggesting broader systemic inflammatory involvement, whereas BRAO demonstrates relative neutrophil predominance and higher NLR, consistent with a more localized inflammatory response. These findings support the concept that CRAO and BRAO are immunologically distinct entities and may benefit from subtype-specific evaluation and management strategies. Prospective, multi-center studies are warranted to validate these observations and clarify their clinical implications.