title: Outcomes of Nd:YAG laser treatment for Valsalva retinopathy due to intense military exercise.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Valsalva retinopathy may occur due to intense physical exercise. Soldiers must undergo vigorous physical training to sustain a high level of readiness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery period and the outcomes of Valsalva retinopathy due to physical exercise in the Turkish Army.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve soldiers had Valsalva retinopathy related to military exercise. All patients received Nd:YAG laser membranotomy and were observed for an average of 12.6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All eyes had visual acuities of 20/20 at the end of the first month of follow-up. Therefore, the soldiers could continue their training. No complications were observed and additional surgeries were not needed during the 1-year follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early visual recovery is important to continue training and reduce health costs in the Turkish Army, where military service is mandatory for a required period of time. For that reason, Nd:YAG laser treatment for Valsalva retinopathy related to military exercise is an effective and safe procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Tarkan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mumcuoglu
authors.forename: Ali Hakan
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Durukan
authors.forename: Cuneyt
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Erdurman
authors.forename: Volkan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hurmeric
authors.forename: Suat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karagul
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver; D014792:Visual Acuity