Peripheral polypoidal choroidal neovascularization, subretinal hemorrhage, and cataract surgery.
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous choroidal hemorrhages during uneventful cataract surgery are rare, potentially disastrous, and poorly understood. We describe three patients with spontaneous limited peripheral choroidal hemorrhages and associated polypoidal choroidal neovascularization.


METHODS
Case series.


RESULTS
Peripheral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was identified as an underlying potential causative factor in these patients with spontaneous limited choroidal hemorrhage during uneventful cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, known to occur in the peripheral fundus, may be a mechanism for spontaneous limited or explosive peripheral fundus subretinal hemorrhages at the time of anterior segment surgery. These hemorrhages may not require interventional treatment in that regression of the associated neovascularization and resolution of the serosanguineous manifestations may occur without significant vision loss.
From the Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York, and the LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, New York, New York.
Claudia
C
Bruee
Louis K
LK
Chang
K Bailey
KB
Freund
Lawrence A
LA
Yannuzzi