Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Neodymium: YAG laser membranotomy and posterior
hyaloidotomy in achieving rapid intravitreal drainage of dense premacular hemorrhage and
rapid visual rehabilitation.
METHODS: Eight eyes of eight patients had Nd: YAG laser treatment to release trapped hemorrhage
overlying the macula. Two to five laser membranotomies were performed. Colored fundus
photographs were taken. Patient with diabetes had panretinal photocoagulation prior to YAG
laser treatment.
RESULTS: The premacular hemorrhage originated from proliferative diabetic retinopathy in four
eyes, from a retinal macroaneurysm in two eyes, from leukemic retinopathy one eye and from
valsalva retinopathy in one eye. Complete intravitreal dispersion was achieved in all eyes within
one week with marked improvement of vision. One diabetic eye showed less improvement in
vision due to diffuse dispersion of hemorrhage in the vitreous.
CONCLUSION: Nd: YAG laser membranotomy seems helpful in rapid clearing of premacular
hemorrhage and improvement of vision in certain eyes.

Key words: Subhyaloid Hemorrhage. Treatment. Neodymium: YAG Laser.