Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser treatment for premacular hemorrhage.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Premacular hemorrhage occurs as a result of Valsalva retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and retinal artery macroaneurysm and may cause sudden, profound visual loss. Currently, it is managed with observation or vitrectomy. An alternative method of treatment is by Nd:YAG laser or argon laser membranotomy. This study investigates the efficacy of frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser membranotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twelve patients had frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser membranotomy as a two-step procedure to drain premacular hemorrhage: two stretch burns to make the membrane stable and taut and then placement of penetration burns between stretch burns. The follow-up period was 18 months.

RESULTS:

Ten eyes had marked clearing of hemorrhage and immediate improvement of vision following the laser treatment. One eye with retinal macroaneurysm and another with proliferative diabetic retinopathy did not show marked improvement immediately following membranotomy.

CONCLUSION:

Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG membranotomy is a safe, simple, and noninvasive alternative to conservative treatment or vitrectomy and allows faster resolution of premacular hemorrhage.

• Authors: Suresh Puthalath, Anup Chirayath, M V Shermila, M S Sunil, R Ramakrishnan
• Journal: Ophthalmic surgery, lasers & imaging : the official journal of the International Society for Imaging in the Eye (Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging) 2003 Jul-Aug Vol. 34 Issue 4 Pg. 284-90 ISSN: 1542-8877 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12875456 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Macula Lutea
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
• Prospective Studies
• Retinal Hemorrhage (pathology, physiopathology, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity