A case of air pollution-induced Valsalva retinopathy

Abstract

This is a case of Valsalva retinopathy during the season of annual transboundary haze pollution in Sarawak. A 22-year-old man with no known medical illness developed sudden onset of painless visual acuity loss preceded by persistent cough. Left eye fundus showed dense preretinal haemorrhage covering optic disc extending
inferiorly with breakthrough vitreous haemorrhage. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, endolaser, and fluid gas exchange in view of persistent dense vitreous haemorrhage after a month of conservative management. In conclusion, pars plana vitrectomy can be considered as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with Valsalva retinopathy developing extensive premacular haemorrhage.