Role of inflammation in retinal vein occlusion

BACKGROUND: Inflammation measured by using highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) may be a separate risk factor in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: In a small consecutive pilot case series, hs-CRP was measured in 11 patients with RVO. RESULTS: Levels ranged from 1.0 to 18.0 mg/L (mean 6.5 [SD 6.1] mg/L), with >3.0 mg/L being considered high risk for developing vascular disease. INTERPRETATION: The new role of hs-CRP is important for ophthalmologists because of its part in vascular disease.