Nd:YAG membranotomy for preretinal hemorrhage secondary to valsalva retinopathy

PurposeTo report four cases of premacular hemorrhage secondary to valsalva retinopathy treated with Nd:YAG membranotomy and discuss techniques as well as the literature.DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted for four patients with vision obstructing hemorrhage secondary to valsalva retinopathy. These patients were all treated with Nd:YAG membranotomy.ResultsFour patients with premacular hemorrhage secondary to valsalva retinopathy were treated with Nd:YAG laser creating a membranotomy to drain the hemorrhage. Power settings ranged from 1.7 to 3.8 mJ. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/400 (1 patient) to count fingers (3 patients). Visual acuity improved in three out of four patients after laser treatment. Final visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/30 in these three patients. One patient was lost to follow up after performing laser membranotomy and therefore visual acuity after treatment was not obtained. No complications were noted.ConclusionNd:YAG membranotomy is a non-invasive, office-based treatment option that may be successfully used to treat premacular hemorrhage secondary to valsalva retinopathy.