Long-term results of Nd:YAG laser treatment for premacular subhyaloid haemorrhage owing to Valsalva retinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
Valsalva retinopathy produces sudden visual loss, which may be prolonged if untreated. Nd:YAG laser enables rapid diffusion of premacular subhyaloid haemorrhage. This study was performed to assess the long-term results and safety of Nd:YAG laser treatment in cases with Valsalva retinopathy.


METHODS
Sixteen patients had Nd:YAG laser treatment to drain premacular haemorrhage. The follow-up period was 24 months.


RESULTS
All eyes had marked clearing of haemorrhage and immediate improvement of vision following laser treatment. In 14 eyes visual acuity improved to 20/20 level at the end of the first week and the remaining two patients achieved 20/20 level within 1 month. No patient had evidence of retinal or choroidal damage.


CONCLUSIONS
Nd:YAG laser treatment for Valsalva retinopathy is an effective, non-invasive, and safe procedure for patients with a premacular subhyaloid haemorrhage larger than 3 disc diameter and no longer than 3 weeks of duration.
Durukan
A H
AH
Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. ahakand@yahoo.com
Kerimoglu
H
H
Erdurman
C
C
Demirel
A
A
Karagul
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver; D014792:Visual Acuity