Treatment of Valsalva retinopathy.

PURPOSE:To report a case of Valsalva retinopathy treated by neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and discuss the previously reported treatments for Valsalva retinopathy. CASE REPORT:A 35-year-old-woman experienced a sudden painless visual loss in her left eye after lifting heavy bags of manure on the farm. The patient was diagnosed as having Valsalva retinopathy. The examination revealed a macular preretinal hemorrhage. An Nd:YAG laser was used on the patient after conservative management afforded no resolution. After treatment, visual acuity improved. CONCLUSIONS:Valsalva retinopathy can be treated by conservative management, Nd:YAG laser, and vitrectomy, but each treatment must be evaluated in regard to the duration, the location, and the amount of the hemorrhage.