ASSOCIATION OF DYSLIPIDEMIA WITH RETINAL VASCULAR DISEASE PROGRESSION AND ITS PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

Disorders of the retina's vasculature, such as diabetes-related damage to the retina and blockages of the retinal veins, are leading causes of reduced eyesight globally. In low-resource communities, where access to screening and healthcare services is often limited, this association may contribute to unrecognized disease progression and visual impairment.

Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2024 to January 2025 at DHQ Teaching Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan. Seventy-six patients diagnosed with retinal vascular diseases were enrolled. Detailed ophthalmic examinations and retinal imaging were performed to classify disease severity. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess serum lipid profiles including total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and atherogenic index. Data were statistically analyzed to evaluate correlations between lipid profiles and disease severity, while also considering access to regular eye care as a community-level variable.

Results: Patients with moderate to severe retinal vascular disease demonstrated significantly higher mean levels of total cholesterol (204.2 ± 39.3 mg/dL), LDL-C (130.3 ± 29.9 mg/dL), triglycerides (174.8 ± 58.3 mg/dL), and atherogenic index (4.41 ± 1.58) compared to those with mild disease (p < 0.05). Conversely, HDL-C was significantly reduced in advanced disease stages (38.6 ± 6.9 mg/dL). Only 38.2% of participants reported regular access to eye care services, suggesting that delayed detection and untreated dyslipidemia may contribute to worsening retinal disease in the community.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that dyslipidemia is associated with the progression of retinal vascular diseases. Elevated LDL-C and triglycerides, alongside reduced HDL-C, may contribute to worsening retinal microvascular damage. In settings where access to eye care is limited, unrecognized lipid abnormalities may lead to late-stage retinal complications. These results underscore the importance of integrating lipid screening and management into community-based eye health programs to mitigate the burden of retinopathy and prevent avoidable vision loss.