Nd:YAG membranotomy for sub-inner limiting membrane hemorrhage: a case report

Case Description: A 16-year-old male patient presented with a 12-days sudden painless loss of vision in his left eye after diving in a lake. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the left eye was counting fingers. Anterior segment was unremarkable. Fundoscopy in the left eye revealed a pre-retinal hemorrhage in the macular region and swept-source ocular coherence tomography (SS-OCT) confirmed the location in the sub-inner limiting membrane (ILM) space. An Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser membranotomy was performed the next day in order to drain the hemorrhage into the vitreous cavity. A couple of days after, the BCVA in the left eye improved to 20/ 25, at fundoscopy the blood being almost reabsorbed and the SS-OCT showing a resolution of the sub-ILM hemorrhage. Discussion: Due to Valsalva retinopathy, sub-ILM hemorrhage may lead to a sudden painless vision loss. Spontaneous resolution of the hemorrhage is possible but absorption may take a long time. During this period, intraretinal tissue migration and proliferation may lead to permanent structural damage. Posterior vitrectomy is a treatment option but the fact that it is an invasive procedure fuels the search for less invasive treatment methods and Nd:YAG laser membranotomy fits this place. Conclusion: Given the excellent results and low complication rates, Nd:YAG laser membranotomy is highly recommended to treat this condition as it offers a simple, relatively safe and a non-invasive treatment option for drainage of sub-ILM hemorrhages.