Lipemia retinalis associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: To report a patient with a branch retinal vein occlusion associated with lipemia retinalis.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 58-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and was found to have a branch retinal vein occlusion with massive lipid exudation in the setting of lipemia retinalis. Laboratory testing demonstrated an abnormal lipid profile with a markedly elevated triglyceride level. The setting was a retina service in a major referral center.

Results: Management of the hypertriglyceridemia with medication, exercise, and dietary modification resolved the lipemia retinalis and was associated with improvement in visual function.

Conclusions: Although usually not visually significant, lipemia retinalis may be associated with vascular pathology, such as a branch retinal vein occlusion with marked exudative response and decreased visual acuity. Because of potential systemic and ocular complications of lipemia retinalis, these patients should be referred for management of their lipid disorder.