Can drug use cause a retinal microaneurysm?
FEB 11, 2019
Question:
I am 29 and was diagnosed with a retinal microaneurysm (blood leakage from an artery or vein in the back of the eye). I go to the gym, try to eat right, but it has not always been that way. I am in good shape, relatively strong, and plan to go for a diabetes screening. However, I wonder if microaneurysms can occur for reasons other than hypertension or diabetes. Can they be caused by a one-time spike in blood pressure from drug-use like cocaine?
Answer:
There are many causes for microaneurysms including hypertension (high blood pressure) and drugs. A comprehensive medical evaluation is required to determine the cause.