SRIs, Statins Could Possibly Have Protective Effect Against RVO

A recent study suggests that this protective effect exists independently for both SRIs and statins and may provide additive protection against RVO when used in combination. Photo: Rami Aboumourad, OD. Click image to enlarge. The pathogenesis of central (CRVO) and branch (BRVO) retinal vein occlusion is multifactorial with similar risk factors but the two have anatomical differences. CRVO typically involves complete anatomical obstruction of the vein at the lamina cribrosa while BRVO takes place at the site of an arteriovenous crossing. Both are believed to have a common final pathway involving thrombosis and platelet aggregation; hence, both are included in many studies investigating RVO. Researchers from the UK recently explored serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) use in patients with RVO. They found lower rates of both SRI and statin use in a population with a diagnosis of RVO. This may indicate a protective effect of SRIs and statins associated with reduced incidence of RVO in all age groups, they proposed in the journal Retina.“Understanding the potential influence of these drugs on retinovascular events is important in widening our knowledge of modifiable risk factors associated with RVO and understanding the systemic side effects associated with SRI use,” the study authors wrote in their paper.The study included retrospective data collection of risk factors and prescribed drugs from consecutive electronic patient records of all patients diagnosed with RVO over five years. In total, 775 patients were included in this study, with a total of 283 patients in the RVO group and 492 in the control group.Logistic regression confirmed a significant reduction in RVO associated with SRI use (odds ratio; OR: 0.39), statins (OR: 0.51) and combined drugs (OR: 0.22), with all groups reaching statistical significance. Treatment with SRI drugs and statins were both found to be reduced in the RVO group, with a combined additive effect. The results also indicated that individuals taking SRIs were more likely to be prescribed statins. This may indicate an understanding in primary care of the additional benefits of statins in depression management.“Further studies are now needed to prospectively analyze patients with RVO looking at specific SRI and statin drugs with an emphasis on dosage and duration,” the researchers wrote. “Such research could shed light on any potentially unexpected retinal vascular benefits associated with SRI and statin use in larger populations.”Click here for the journal source. Thomas F, Lockhead J. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors may reduce the risk of retinal vein occlusion. Retina. 2025;45(6):1160-7.