Diminished Handgrip Strength as an Independent Risk Factor for Retinal Vein Occlusion in Non-obese Korean Adults: A Population-Based Study
10.21561/jor.2025.10.1.56
- Author:
Gyu Chul CHUNG
1
;
Jiwoong LEE
;
EunAh KIM
Author Information
1. Lee Eye Clinic, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Retina
2025;10(1):56-63
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study investigates whether diminished handgrip strength, potentially indicative of sarcopenia, serves as an independent risk factor for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in non-obese adults in South Korea.
Methods:In this nationwide cross-sectional study, adults aged ≥40 years from the 2017–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included if they had recorded measurements of height, weight, handgrip strength, and at least one gradable fundus photograph. Those with a history of cerebrovascular disease with any sequelae or who were pregnant were excluded. Odds ratios for RVO were calculated using stepwise multivariate regression, comparing non-obese individuals with diminished handgrip strength, obese individuals with preserved handgrip strength, and obese individuals with diminished handgrip strength, using non-obese individuals with preserved handgrip strength as the reference group. Covariates included age, sex, comorbidities, physical activity, and smoking history.
Results:A total of 10,950 individuals were included. The estimated prevalences of RVO and diminished handgrip strength were 0.6% and 9.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that non-obese individuals with diminished handgrip strength had a 4.6-fold higher risk of RVO compared to non-obese individuals with preserved handgrip strength. Obese individuals with preserved handgrip strength exhibited a 2-fold increased risk, while no significant association was found between RVO risk and having both obesity and diminished handgrip strength. Additionally, lack of high-intensity physical activity was associated with a 13.2-fold higher risk in the multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:Diminished handgrip strength may be independently associated with an increased risk of RVO, particularly in non-obese individuals. These findings underscore the importance of considering “possible sarcopenia” as an independent risk factor for RVO, especially in non-obese populations in South Korea.
