Valsalva Retinopathy Associated with Blowing up of a Rubber Glove

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Valsalva retinopathy is very uncommon disease, but can cause sudden reduction of visual acuity by unilateral macular hemorrhage due to a rapid rise in intrathoracic or intraabdominal pressure. It resolves usually within 1-3 months without specific treatment. We report a case associated with blowing up of a rubber glove. METHODS: A healthy young adult with normal visual acuity experienced visual blurring in one eye. At first visit, visual acuity was 0.06 with correction. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable and dilated fundus examination revealed a dumbbell-shaped preretinal hemorrhage in the macula. Preretinal hemorrhage was a well-demarcated, red-colored subinternal limiting membrane hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated blocked fluorescence due to hemorrhage. The patient was followed up. RESULT: Two weeks after first visit, the size of preretinal hemorrhage decreased. Three weeks after first visit, there was marked resolution of the hemorrhage with yellowish degeneration, but visual acuity was not improved. Six weeks after first visit, the preretinal hemorrhage resolved completely and visual acuity returned to normal. DISCUSSION: Valsalva retinopathy associated with blowing up of a rubber glove resolved within 6 weeks without no specific treatment.