Role of Nd:YAG Laser in the Management of Premacular Subhyloid Hemorrhage

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of early Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy in the management of premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage. Study Design: prospective interventional case series.

Place and Duration of Study: Ophthalmology department, King Edward medical university and Mayo hospital, Lahore from 1st July, 2015 to 31st December, 2015.

Material and Methods: There were total 20 patients of premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage who underwent Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy. All were followed up on 2nd day, 1st week and 2nd week. Detailed examination was done to note the improvement of vision, clearance of macula, absorption of hemorrhage and any complication occurred. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20 and presented in the form of tables.

Results: Among included patients, 8 were males (40%) and 12 were females (60%). Mean and standard deviation for patients' age was 36.55 ± 14.50 with range of 20-65 years. Maximum patients (50%) were from the younger age group of 20-35 years. Most common etiology of hemorrhage was PDR (40%). Macula was cleared in 15 patients (75%) but visual acuity was improved in only 13 patients (65%) because of underlying maculopathies. The mean amount of energy of laser used was 7.67 ± 2.55 with a range of 4-12 mJ. The hemorrhage took 4 weeks on average to be absorbed from vitreous. Complication in the form of taut epimacular membrane was noted in only one patient.

Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy is a safe, cheap, non-invasive and early visual rehabilitory procedure.

Key words: Nd:YAG laser, hyaloidotomy, premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage.