Varicose Veins Linked to Higher Risk of Eye Conditions
A large study suggests adults with varicose veins may face an increased risk of developing central serous chorioretinopathy.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Stroke
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A large new study finds that patients with varicose veins may face a significantly higher risk of developing central serous chorioretinopathy and related eye conditions. Researchers observed this link by analyzing electronic health records from over 600,000 patients.
Why it matters
Identifying this association suggests that venous health could have implications for ocular wellness, potentially helping clinicians better monitor patients who have varicose veins.
In a study of 621,513 patients with varicose veins published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers found a 2.16 risk ratio for central serous chorioretinopathy and a 1.97 risk ratio for serous pigment epithelial detachment compared to controls.
The players
British Journal of Ophthalmology
A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on the eye and visual system.
The details
The analysis compared patient groups matched for age, sex, race, and ethnicity to isolate the relationship between the conditions. The researchers also confirmed that the association persisted even after excluding patients using glucocorticoids, which are known to influence eye health. This study utilized de-identified health records to identify these potential links between vascular and ocular health markers.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Health Landscape
This study follows a pattern established by the British Journal of Ophthalmology's publication series of linking systemic conditions to ocular health. It expands current understanding of how vascular issues outside the eye may signal or correlate with risks for specific retinal conditions.
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you may want to discuss any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or distortion, with your doctor or an ophthalmologist. These findings are preliminary, so speak with a physician about your personal health history before drawing conclusions.
The takeaway
This study identifies a potential correlation between varicose veins and specific retinal conditions that warrants further investigation. If you notice persistent vision changes, prioritize a conversation with your primary care provider or an eye specialist to evaluate your individual risk.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and clinical developments in our Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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