A 45-year-old man with hypertension presents with sudden painless vision loss. Fundoscopy reveals a superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion with flame-shaped hemorrhages and cotton wool spots in the affected quadrant. Which systemic condition is the strongest independent risk factor for this presentation?
- A Diabetes mellitus
- B Essential hypertension ✓
- C Hyperhomocysteinemia
- D Primary open-angle glaucoma
Correct answer: B. Essential hypertension
Explanation
Essential hypertension is the strongest independent risk factor for branch retinal vein occlusion, as arteriosclerotic changes in the arteriole compress the adjacent vein at arteriovenous crossings. Diabetes (option A) is a risk factor but weaker than hypertension. Hyperhomocysteinemia (option C) is a recognized but less common risk factor. Glaucoma (option D) is more associated with central retinal vein occlusion.
Reference: Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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