Association of primary glaucomas with retinal vein occlusion.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To determine the association of Primary glaucoma with retinal vein occlusion. METHODOLOGY A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies from April 2002-July 2003. All diagnosed cases of retinal vein occlusion were evaluated in detail for the presence of primary glaucoma. Detailed history was taken. Best corrected visual acuity was recorded, slit-lamp evaluation of anterior segment was performed, intraocular pressure was assessed with the help of applanation tonometer, gonioscopy was done and fundus evaluation was done under full mydriasis. RESULTS Out of 50 patients, 19 (38%) were central retinal vein occlusion and 31(62%) were branch retinal vein occlusion. Majority of the retinal vein occlusion patients were in the age group of (61-70 years) 12 out of 50 patients (24%). There were 12 patients of primary glaucoma in 50 patients of retinal vein occlusion. Out of which 11 patients had primary open angle glaucoma and 1 patient had primary angle closure glaucoma. CONCLUSION This study shows association of primary glaucoma as a risk factor of retinal vein occlusion. Evaluation of retinal vein occlusion patients for primary glaucoma would be worthwhile for early detection and prevention of blindness.