Polycythemia-Related Proliferative Ischemic Retinopathy Managed with Smoking Cessation: A Case Report.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(13)2022 06 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35805729
Ischemic retinopathy characterized by neovascularization could result from several diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. However, ocular ischemic conditions caused by polycythemia have rarely been described. We report the first case of polycythemia-related proliferative ischemic retinopathy in a 41-year-old male heavy smoker who had ocular ischemic condition due to secondary polycythemia. He had sudden loss of vision in his right eye vision with vitreous hemorrhage and a tortuous retinal artery. Tracing back to his history, he was a heavy smoker with more than one pack of cigarettes per day for more than 30 years. Laboratory data revealed elevated levels of hemoglobin (17.7 g/dL) and hematocrit (51.6%) without other abnormal findings. We performed retinal photocoagulation on the neovascular areas and the fibrous membrane. Additionally, the patient was advised to quit smoking. Owing to adherence to this treatment, the patient's vision gradually recovered. Although rare, polycythemia can cause retinal ischemic events and should be considered as a sight-threatening disease. Photocoagulation is effective on the regression of the neovascular lesion. Most importantly, changes in lifestyle together with smoking cessation are effective in managing secondary polycythemia. In conclusion, prevention and cessation of tobacco consumption helps improve vision health.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Polycythemia
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Retinal Diseases
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Smoking Cessation
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Diabetic Retinopathy
Limits:
Adult
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Humans
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Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: