ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the efficacy of Neodymium: YAG laser membranotomy and posterior hyaloidotomy in achieving rapid intravitreal drainage of dense premacular hemorrhage and rapid visual rehabilitation
Methods: Eight eyes of eight patients had Nd: YAG laser treatment to release trapped hemorrhage overlying the macula. Two to five laser membranotomies were performed. Colored fundus photographs were taken. Patient with diabetes had panretinal photocoagulation prior to YAG laser treatment
Results: The premacular hemorrhage originated from proliferative diabetic retinopathy in four eyes, from a retinal macroaneurysm in two eyes, from leukemic retinopathy one eye and from valsalva retinopathy in one eye. Complete intravitreal dispersion was achieved in all eyes within one week with marked improvement of vision. One diabetic eye showed less improvement in vision due to diffuse dispersion of hemorrhage in the vitreous
Conclusion: Nd: YAG laser membranotomy seems helpful in rapid clearing of premacular hemorrhage and improvement of vision in certain eyes