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Valsalva maculopathy.
Anthony Chapman-Davies1, Anka Lazarevic
1BOptom, Lakemba, New South Wales, Australia.
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|April 16, 2002
Summary
The Valsalva manoeuvre can cause preretinal haemorrhage by increasing eye pressure. This condition, Valsalva maculopathy, usually resolves without affecting vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- The Valsalva manoeuvre involves forceful exhalation against a closed glottis, increasing intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure.
- This can lead to a rapid rise in intraocular venous pressure.
Observation:
- A sudden increase in intraocular pressure can cause perifoveal capillaries to rupture.
- This results in a preretinal haemorrhage, typically located at the macula.
Findings:
- Valsalva maculopathy is an isolated, self-limited event in otherwise healthy eyes.
- The haemorrhage usually resolves spontaneously, without permanent visual acuity compromise.
Implications:
- Understanding Valsalva maculopathy is crucial for diagnosing and managing visual disturbances after strenuous activities.
- Weightlifting is identified as a potential trigger for Valsalva maculopathy in susceptible individuals.