Primary open-angle glaucoma with retinal vein occlusion: a retrospective case series

Glaucoma is a known risk factor for retinal vein occlusion (RVO). There are many reported studies among primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with RVO in Caucasians. Our objective was to report the natural course of RVO in Asian patients with POAG. A retrospective record review was conducted between January 2015 and December 2016 involving five POAG patients who developed RVO while attending regular follow-up at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia glaucoma clinic (Malaysia). Three readings of intraocular pressure (IOP) were taken as pre-RVO IOP. IOP at presentation of RVO was also recorded. Clinical data including RVO management and complications were documented. All POAG patients were at the severe and end stage of the disease. None of them achieved target pressure. Median IOP at presentation was 26 ± 3.8 mmHg (SD) and the majority were asymptomatic. Systemic hypertension was present in all patients. There was deterioration of visual acuity and increased number topical medication post RVO presentation. Vigilant monitoring of IOP is important in POAG patients with systemic hypertension to prevent RVO, given that RVO in POAG is like robbing someone blind twice.