Valsalva maneuver induced vitreous hemorrhage

A 43 year old male who performed a severe and sustained Valsalva maneuver developed a vitreous hemorrhage that was suspected as originating from an optic nerve vessel. Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy is not a common ocular finding and a breakthrough into the vitreous is even more uncommon. The vitreous hemorrhage cleared with recovery of previous acuity levels and a residua of small areas of fibrosis in the inferior vitreous. A discussion of the physiology of the Valsalva maneuver and of possible ocular and nonocular complications is presented. There is also a discussion of how this maneuver is used in the diagnosis of orbital diseases.

In this case a vitreous hemorrhage was induced by a marked and sustained Valsalva maneuver which resolved without significant sequelae. The Valsalva maneuver is capable of causing many ocular complications; it is important to advise patients about the potential side effects of this maneuver.