Prevalence and risk factors of retinal vein occlusion in the United States: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 to 2008

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a rare, vision-threatening vascular disorder. Due to limited recovery associated with RVO, prevention is essential. There is a significant discrepancy in previously reported epidemiological studies in the United States on the prevalence and risk factors of RVO. The purpose of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of RVO in adults ≥40 years of age in the US using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008. We collected information on the demographic characteristics, medical conditions, and ocular pathology of NHANES participants. We performed weighted analysis to estimate national prevalence rates and multivariate analysis to examine associated risk factors. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of RVO and the odds ratios of associated risk factors. We included 5559 participants and found 33 cases of RVO. The overall prevalence of RVO in the US was 0.50%. Age, per 10-year increase (odds ratio [OR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–2.92) and elevated diastolic blood pressure, per 10 mm Hg increase (OR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.10–2.12) were significant risk factors for RVO. Race, sex, glaucoma, elevated cholesterol, and self-reported history of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease were not significant risk factors. RVO is significantly associated with older age and elevated diastolic blood pressure. Our findings should alert clinicians to identify individuals at risk for RVO.