Introduction. Valsalva retinopathy is an uncommon disorder that usually
presents with acute onset of unilateral, or less frequently, bilateral
visual impairment varying from subtle scotoma to total vision loss. It
occurs as a result of Valsalva?s maneuver. In the vast majority of cases,
hemorrhage is preretinal although subretinal, intraretinal and vitreous
hemorrhage can be found. Valsalva retinopathy often develops due to numerous
triggering activities such as vomiting, coughing, heavy weight lifting,
intense aerobic exercise, labor and general anesthesia. Management options
are either clinical observation or invasive techniques. We report a case of
premacular hemorrhage due to Valsalva retinopathy induced by gym training.
Case Outline. A 34 year-old woman was referred to the Eye Clinic, University
Clinical Center of Serbia, complaining of sudden and painless unilateral
decrease in vision occurred during intense physical activity. Best corrected
visual acuity was measured as counting fingers at five meters distance.
Dilated fundoscopy demonstrated a large, well demarcated premacular
subhyaloid hemorrhage with visible rupture of the retinal vein branch. The
patient was treated conservatively. Three months after the onset of
symptoms, hemorrhage absorbed and best corrected visual acuity was 20/20.
Conclusion. Valsalva retinopathy, although a rare condition, should not be
omitted as a differential diagnosis of retinal and vitreous hemorrhages.
Standard, observational treatment is generally sufficient for complete
recovery of vision, however literature suggests that an individualized
approach to each patient is required.