Lipemia Retinalis due to Secondary Hyperlipidemia in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Lipemia retinalis is a rare and asymptomatic condition which occurs when high levels of triglycerides and chylomicrons are present in blood. We report a rare case of secondary hyperlipoproteinemia in a 27 year old type 1 diabetes patient who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and this peculiar ocular manifestation. The fundoscopic abnormality and creamy white serum cleared as the level of chylomicrons in the plasma dropped with intensive insulin therapy.