Reversal of lipaemia retinalis with dietary control

Abstract

Lipaemia retinalis occurs as the result of a marked elevation of serum lipids. Combined hyperlipidaemia may occur as a primary familial or secondary acquired abnormality. A case of lipaemia retinalis is described, documented by fundus photographs. A complete lipid profile of the patient revealed marked hyperlipidaemia. The lipoprotein lipase level was found to be reduced 0.3 cu (normal 0.5-2.0 cu). The patient was put on a low-fat diet, after which serial fundus photographs showed an improvement in the fundus appearance. Follow-up lipid profile estimations showed a decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. After 6 months of follow-up complete reversal of lipaemia retinalis was documented. In this case, reversal of lipaemia retinalis occurred with dietary therapy alone.