Polycythemia-Related Proliferative Ischemic Retinopathy Managed with Smoking Cessation: A Case Report

Shao-Yu Sung, Yo-Chen Chang, Horng-Jiun Wu and Hung-Chi Lai
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Shao-Yu Sung: Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
Yo-Chen Chang: Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
Horng-Jiun Wu: Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
Hung-Chi Lai: Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Tzyou 1st Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-8

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: polycythemia; proliferative ischemic retinopathy; cigarette smoking; tobacco consumption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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