Valsalva-like Retinopathy Following Hyperopic Laser In Situ Keratomileusis

Abstract
A 50-year-old woman presented with unilateral acute loss of vision 15 hours after undergoing bilateral hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). She denied “straining.” Fluorescein angiography showed no retinal vascular abnormalities but demonstrated blocked fluorescence corresponding with subhyaloid, intraretinal, and subretinal hemorrhages seen clinically in the left eye. YAG laser vitreolysis was performed after noting posterior cortical vitreous thickening with a loculated subhyaloid hemorrhage. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was restored to 20/20 by the 2-month follow-up examination. Valsalva-like retinopathy, possibly the result of the rapid rise and fall of intraocular pressure during the microkeratome and suction ring operation, may occur following hyperopic LASIK surgery. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2006;37:486-488.] AUTHORS From the Department of Ophthalmology (AAM, PJF), North Shore University Hospital, Great Neck, New York; Kaiser Permanente (SAH), Oakland, California; the Department of Ophthalmology (DZR), Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York; Reinstein Institute (DZR), London, United Kingdom; and Long Island Vitreoretinal Consultants (PJF), Great Neck, New York. Dr. Moshfeghi is currently affiliated with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida. Accepted for publication November 20, 2005. Presented in part at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, New Orleans, Louisiana, November 11-14, 2001. Address reprint requests to Philip J. Ferrone, MD, 600 Northern Boulevard, Suite 216, Great Neck, NY 11021.