Subretinal Hemorrhage Research Articles

Spontaneous and Indentation Subretinal Hemorrhage from Choroidal Melanoma

Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Herein, the authors report two cases of subretinal hemorrhage associated with it. The first case presented with a large choroidal mass associated with subretinal hemorrhage, no history of trauma and choroidal melanoma diagnosis on ultrasound. The second case was initially diagnosed with retinal detachment but during the surgery a pigmented subretinal mass was observed, starting to bleed after scleral depression. Subretinal hemorrhage can occur due to ruptures in Bruch's membrane spontaneously or precipitated by inadvertent trauma. Despite an unusual manifestation, it should always be considered avoiding misdiagnosis.

PEHCR-Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy: Diagnosis and treatment

Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) is arare degenerative chorioretinal disease with subretinal or subepithelial hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus periphery in older patients. Even though it is the second most common entity among pseudomelanomas and its characteristic features simplify diagnosis, PEHCR is often not recognized and therefore misdiagnosed. In most cases stabilization or regression spontaneously occur. Therefore, treatment for PEHCR should be cautiously selected when function is good and surgical intervention should be preferably considered when visual loss is imminent.

Características clínicas de la coriorretinopatía exudativa hemorrágica periférica en un centro de referencia en España

ObjectiveTo publish the clinical characteristics of peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PHEC) in the Spanish population. MethodsRetrospective study and analysis of results in patients diagnosed with PHEC. The clinical characteristics, by OCT, the treatment used and the evolution after treatment were collected. Results39 eyes of 23 patients with PHEC were evaluated. The average age at diagnosis was 79 years (66-94 years). The main ocular symptom was low vision in 26 eyes (66.6%); only 11 eyes (28.2%) were asymptomatic. The most frequent referred diagnosis was bleeding/exudation in 24 eyes (61.5%), followed by choroidal melanoma in 9 (23.1%). Intra or subretinal hemorrhages were the type of peripheral lesion most frequently found, in 24 eyes (61.5%). Twenty-five eyes (58.9%) received some type of treatment: 15 eyes (60%) underwent intravitreal injection (IIV) of antiangiogenic agents (anti-VEGF); Laser photocoagulation was performed in 2 cases (8%), Photodynamic therapy in 2 cases (8%) and 6 cases (18.2%) required pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) due to vitreous hemorrhage. There were no changes in visual acuity (VA) in patients followed with observation between baseline 0.66±0.80 (0.04-2.82) and end of follow-up 0.75±0.96 (0.00-2.82) (P=.352), nor for those who received some type of treatment between the beginning 0.78±0.79 (0.04-2.30) and the end 1.22±1.01 (0.04-2.82) (P=.157), possibly due to the large component of atrophic or exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presented in both groups. (29 eyes presented atrophic or exudative AMD). ConclusionsPHEC is a rare pathology, frequently associated with AMD, which typically presents as a peripheral mass that is frequently confused with choroidal melanoma and other intraocular tumors and hence the importance of learning to identify it, making the correct differential diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatments. Antiangiogenic therapy is effective in most patients with an active phase (exudative/hemorrhagic) into leading to fibrosis of peripheral hemorrhagic areas.

Development of subretinal hemorrhage after treatment discontinuation for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and their influence on visual outcomes of subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV) who discontinue treatment. This retrospective study included 148 patients with nAMD and PCV who discontinued treatment. The development of a 3-disc area or greater extent of SRH after treatment discontinuation was identified. Visual acuity at the final visit was compared between patients with and those without SRH. Factors associated with SRH were then analyzed. During the mean 56.8 ± 18.2months of follow-up, treatment was discontinued at a mean 24.1 ± 16.3months after diagnosis. SRH developed in 24 (16.2%) patients at a mean 21.5 ± 17.6months after treatment discontinuation. The visual acuity at the final follow-up was significantly worse in patients with SRH than in those without SRH (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the incidence of SRH among the different types of macular neovascularization (MNV) (P = 0.024). In particular, the incidence of type 3 MNV was relatively high (36.0%). The development of SRH may lead to very poor visual prognosis in patients who discontinue treatment. The high risk of SRH in type 3 MNV suggests the need for caution when choosing treatment discontinuation in cases of type 3 MNV.

Evaluation of Ab externo subretinal bands removal during pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy

BackgroundTo compare the safety and efficacy of Ab-externo subretinal bands removal in comparison with the classical Ab-interno approach during pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.MethodsSubjects aged 28–62 years with primary RRD complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) with subretinal bands interfering with retinal flattening were treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil injection. Subretinal bands were removed using the classical AB interno approach through one or more retinotomies in ten patients (group A) and using AB externo approach in twenty cases (group B). Post-operative follow-up visits occurred at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, after surgery. The main outcomes were assessment of subretinal bands removal efficacy, documentation of complications, anatomical reattachment rate, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding patients’ age, gender, lens status, and the onset of retinal detachment. Seventy percent of both groups presented with inferior retinal detachment while ten percent presented with temporal detachments and twenty percent had a total retinal detachment. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in postoperative visual acuity in comparison with preoperative visual acuity (P = 0.005 for group A and P = < 0.001 for group B). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding preoperative (P = 0.928) and postoperative (P = 0.185) visual acuity. A higher incidence of complications was reported in group A (40%) in comparison with group B (30%) but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.69). More Epimacular membranes were seen postoperatively in group A (30%) in comparison with group B (20%) but again this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.657). Subretinal hemorrhage was seen in ten percent of cases in both groups. Intraocular pressure was measured in every follow-up of all patients in both groups, no statistically significant difference was found between both groups.ConclusionsBoth techniques are effective and safe to remove subretinal bands with similar outcomes.

Visual acuity outcome in patients with subretinal hemorrhage - office procedure vs. surgical treatment.

To evaluate the effects of intravitreal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and gas vs. pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery as first-line treatment for subretinal hemorrhage. Retrospective study of 107 adults treated for subretinal hemorrhage at a tertiary hospital during 2008-2019; 51 received injection of tPA and gas and 56 underwent PPV. No between-group differences were found in age and sex, medical history, use of anticoagulants or antiplatelets, history of ocular surgeries, and previous use of intravitreal anti-VEGF. Overall follow-up time was longer in the PPV group (median 4.9 vs 3.28 years, p = 0.005). The hemorrhage was displaced in a similar percentage of patients in the tPA-and-gas group (n = 40, 78.4%) and the PPV group (n = 45, 80.4%) (p = 0.816). Approximately 80% of patients in the tPA-and-gas group were able to forgo PPV surgery. Visual acuity (in LogMAR) was similar in the two groups prior to the diagnosis of subretinal hemorrhage but better in the tPA-and-gas group at the end of follow-up (p < 0.001). Injection of gas and tPA can be done immediately following diagnosis of subretinal hemorrhage as an office procedure. Visual acuity outcome is good, with a high rate of blood displacement. About 20% of patients might require additional PPV as secondary intervention.

Peripheral and macular polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: A retrospective comparative case series.

To compare clinical and imaging features and treatment outcomes between eyes having peripheral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and macular PCV. In this retrospective comparative case series, confirmed cases of peripheral and macular PCV cases on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were included. The various demographic features, imaging characteristics and clinical course between cases with peripheral and macular PCV were compared and analysed. Fifteen eyes of 12 patients and 22 eyes of 20 patients were diagnosed with peripheral PCV and macular PCV respectively based on polyps seen on ICGA. Mean age at presentation in peripheral and macular PCV groups were 76.3 ± 8.78 and 69.1 ± 8.64 years respectively (p = 0.038). Mean logMAR visual acuity in the peripheral and macular PCV group was 0.423 ± 0.568 and 0.535 ± 0.513 respectively (p = 0.595). Peripheral subretinal hemorrhage was noted commonly in the peripheral PCV group (n = 10, 66%) and hard exudates were common in the macular PCV (19, 86%) group. Subfoveal choroid was significantly thinner in peripheral PCV group compared to macular PCV group (215.2 ± 39.94 vs 283.3 ± 50.08; p = 0.001). At final follow-up visit, 50% eyes (n = 11) in macular PCV group were still active and 87% (n = 13) eyes in the peripheral PCV showed an inactive disease (p = 0.035). Peripheral and macular PCV cases are two separate clinical entities having distinct pathogenesis, clinical and imaging features and treatment outcomes. Further studies are needed for understanding the pathomechanism in these distinct disease entities.

Novel Surgical Pathway for Controlled Access to the Subretinal Space: A Case Series

PurposeWe report a case series demonstrating a novel technique to access the subretinal space through a trans-scleral approach.MethodsThis was a prospective, interventional case series. All 25 cases underwent three-port vitrectomy using CONSTELLATION Vision System (Alcon. Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) and NGENUITY 3D Visualization System. In all cases a fourth 25G valved cannula was inserted posteriorly in the vitreous cavity to secure a controlled access to the subretinal space. This route was used to remove subretinal fibrosis, drain subretinal fluid, and inject vital dye to identify an occult retinal break in some cases.ResultsIn 23 of 25 cases, the retina remained attached postoperatively after a single surgery, and vision improvement was observed. In two cases, the retina was attached after an additional procedure. Although mild subretinal hemorrhage was seen in three cases, no other major complication was observed.ConclusionsAccess to the subretinal space by a posteriorly placed fourth valved cannula is safe and helps in subretinal fibrosis removal and drainage of subretinal fluid and can be useful in complicated retinal detachments.Translational RelevanceThis case series uses knowledge acquired from developing small gauge microincision instruments for pars plana vitrectomy to present a novel clinical application applicable to difficult, complex retinal surgeries.

Management of inadvertent scleral penetration during retinal detachment surgery

We report the management of a case of inadvertent full-thickness scleral penetration during rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery in a 14-year-old high myope while making partial-thickness scleral tunnel for the passage of the 240 silicone band. Sudden and gross hypotony with subretinal hemorrhage were noted post-penetration. Hypotony was immediately addressed by suturing the penetration site with a 7-0 vicryl suture. Subretinal blood was removed by performing 360° relaxing retinotomy and retinectomy and the retina was attached. This case report highlights the possible reasons for the full-thickness scleral penetration and one of the various methods to handle the same.

Full thickness macular hole with subretinal bleed formation following Nd

Full thickness macular hole with subretinal bleed formation following Nd

Long term outcome of adjuvant photodynamic therapy after cyberknife radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma

PurposeTo report the outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for choroidal melanoma as adjuvant treatment with CyberKnife radiotherapy. DesignRetrospective interventional case series. MethodsStandard-fluence PDT using verteporfin. Outcome measuresRegression of tumor; resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF); change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications of PDT. ResultsThe study included 16 choroidal melanomas (3 pigmented, 4 lightly pigmented, 9 amelanotic) treated with adjuvant PDT after CyberKnife radiotherapy. The mean follow up time was 45.5 months after the initial PDT. 13 patients improved completely with PDT sessions and growth was seen in 3 patients. There was seen completely resolution in SRF in 10 eyes, partial resolution in 3 eyes, and stable in 3 eyes. The mean thickness of tumors was 3.9 mm before PDT and 2.3 mm after PDT. Retina pigment epithelium atrophy in 3 patients and subretinal hemorrhage in 1 patient were seen as complication of PDT. Three patients underwent enucleation for recurrence in the tumor. There was not a higher rate of change in BCVA after PDT (37.5% stable; 25% increase; 37.5% decrease. Poor final visual acuity associated with worse initial visual acuity, proximity of the tumor to the foveola and optic disc, and radiation complications. ConclusionsPDT seems to offer a good option for posterior pole choroidal melanoma as adjuvant therapy in suitable cases. Future prospective studies with larger number of patients and with longer follow-up are needed to further investigation.

Динамика восстановления зрительных функций после успешной аутотранслокации пигментного эпителия при лечении осложненной неоваскулярной возрастной макулярной дегенерации

Purpose. Analysis of the functional rehabilitation timing in patients after autotranslocation of retinal pigment epithelium (PE) and choroid (CO), performed in case of complicated neovascular AMD. Material and methods. 10 patients with complicated neovascular AMD (large subretinal macular hemorrhage – 4 patients, subretinal macular fibrosis – 5 patients, PE macular atrophy – 1 patient) underwent PE and CO autotranslocation. The observation period was 12–30 months. The dynamics of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was analyzed. Results. BCVA in the observation group increased from 0.03 ± 0.02 before surgery to 0.15 ± 0.11 at the end of the observation (p&lt;0.01). In 100 % of patients BCVA was increase gradually in 6–18 months after removal of the silicone oil. Conclusion. Functional rehabilitation after PE and CO autotranslocation for complicated neovascular AMD is slow. The final functional outcome of surgical treatment should be assessed no earlier than 6–12 months after the operation. Keywords: age-related macular degeneration; choroidal neovascularization; antiVEGF drugs; subretinal surgery; RPE-choroid graft translocation.

Postoperative follow-up of submacular hemorrhage displacement treated with vitrectomy and subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator: ultrawide-field fundus autofluorescence imaging in gas-filled eyes.

To investigate the utility of Optos ultrawide-field fundus autofluorescence (UWF-FAF) imaging for postoperative follow-up of gas-filled eyes after vitrectomy with subretinal tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) injection for subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) displacement. Retrospective consecutive case series. This study included 24 eyes with SRH. Vitrectomy with subretinal t-PA injection was performed, followed by postoperative prone positioning. FAF images acquired using Optos California were examined and the SRH occupancy in the macula was calculated. The main outcome measures were displacement rate and direction of SRH for 3days postoperatively, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The postoperative BCVA ranged from improvement (23 eyes; 95.8%) to no change (one eye; 4.2%). Analysis was done using postoperative Optos FAF images for 20 eyes (83.3%). Postoperative SRH occupancy was significantly reduced, by 27.4%, compared with the preoperative occupancy (P = 0.03). A statistically significant reduction was found between the preoperative and postoperative day (POD)1 (P = 0.04), but not between POD1 and POD2 (P = 0.7), or between POD2 and POD3 (P = 1.0). UWF-FAF imaging is useful for postoperative follow-up of gas-filled eyes after vitrectomy with subretinal t-PA injection for SRH displacement.

Masking of macular neovascular membranes by subretinal hyperreflective material on optical coherence tomography angiography.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) may mask the detection of macular neovascular membranes (MNV) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In this observational study, eyes with active neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), co-existing SHRM & intraretinal or subretinal fluid or hemorrhage on structural OCT, underwent OCTA & fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) imaging. 6 × 6 mm choriocapillaris and outer retinal slabs on OCTA were examined to determine the presence of MNV underneath the SHRM. The corresponding area on FFA was used as a reference arm to confirm activity. Thirty eyes of thirty patients with SHRM and active nAMD were recruited. All eyes failed to show a MNV in the choriocapillaris & avascular slabs of the OCTA underneath the SHRM, but showed active hyperfluorescent MNVs that increased in size and intensity in the late stages of FFA. In one eye, parts of a MNV under the SHRM were undetectable due to signal attenuation, while parts extending beyond the SHRM were detected on the choriocapillaris en face slab with flow on the B scan. SHRM may act as a reflecting surface that limits the passage of light waves in OCTA, creating areas of signal attenuation and diminishing its ability to detect underlying MNVs.

Correlation of retinal alterations with vascular structure of macular neovascularisation in swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in age-related macular degeneration

PurposeThe aim of this study was to find out whether the vascular architecture of untreated macular neovascularisations (MNV) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) as visualised with optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is associated with functional and known morphological alterations of the retina in optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT).MethodsThe study design was retrospective with consecutive patient inclusion. In 107 patients with newly diagnosed nAMD, MNV were detected by means of OCTA and automated quantitative vascular analysis was performed. The MNV characteristics measured were area, flow density, total vascular length (sumL), density of vascular nodes (numN), fractal dimension (FD) and average vascular width (avgW). These parameters were assessed for associations with vision (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), fluid distribution, the elevation of any pigment epithelial detachment (PED), the occurrence of subretinal haemorrhage and atrophy.ResultsBCVA was significantly worse with greater MNV area and sumL. Fluid distribution differed significantly in relation to area (p < 0.005), sumL (p < 0.005) and FD (p = 0.001). Greater PED height was significantly associated with higher numN (p < 0.05) and lower avgW (p < 0.05). Atrophy was present significantly more often in MNV with larger area (p < 0.05), higher sumL (p < 0.05) and higher flow density (p = 0.002). None of the MNV parameters had a significant association with CRT or the occurrence of haemorrhage.ConclusionOCTA is not restricted to evaluation of secondary changes but offers the opportunity to analyse the vascular structure of MNV in detail. Differences in vascular morphology are associated with certain secondary changes in retinal morphology. There are thus grounds for optimism that further research may identify and classify OCTA-based markers to permit more individualised treatment of nAMD.

Three-dimensional locations of ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysms and their associations with the visual prognosis

The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to examine the intraretinal locations of ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RMAs) and investigate the associations with the visual prognosis. Fifty patients (50 eyes) with untreated RMA rupture who visited the Department of Ophthalmology at Kyoto University Hospital (April 2014–July 2019) were included. The intraretinal position of the ruptured RMAs relative to the affected retinal artery was examined using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and color fundus photography (CFP). The relative RMA positions were anterior to (anterior type, 44%), at the same level as (lateral type, 20%), or posterior to (posterior type, 34%) the affected artery. At the initial visit, the posterior type showed greater subretinal hemorrhage thickness than did the lateral and anterior types (P = 0.016 and 0.006, respectively), and poorer visual acuity (VA) than did the anterior type (P = 0.005). At the final visit, the length of the foveal ellipsoid zone band defect was longer (P = 0.005) and VA was poorer (P < 0.001) for the posterior type than for the anterior type. The intraretinal positions of ruptured RMAs vary, affect the thickness of foveal subretinal hemorrhage and predict future damage to the foveal photoreceptors. The visual prognosis may be poor for posteriorly ruptured RMAs.

A case of ocular trauma manifesting as multiple choroidal ruptures and subretinal hemorrhages in a child

A 10-year-old male child presented with blunt force injury to his right eye (OD), with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200. Posterior segment evaluation showed vitreous hemorrhage, Berlin's edema, and choroidal rupture anterior to the equator, parallel to the ora serrata, associated with subretinal hemorrhages. In this manuscript, we have reported a rare traumatic manifestation of multiple direct choroidal ruptures in a child. According to our knowledge, this has never been reported in the literature before. This manuscript also highlights the importance of vigilant optical coherence tomography (macula) follow-up in such scenarios, despite the choroidal rupture not involving the macular region.

A descriptive neuroimaging study of retinoblastoma in children: magnetic resonance imaging features.

PurposeRetinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for initial diagnosis, tumour extension, staging, and treatment planning of RB. Awareness of neuro-imaging findings and determining local extent are essential for early diagnosis and therapy guidance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and to provide a detailed list of neuroimaging features of RB to improve the diagnostic work-up of children with RB.Material and methodsRetrospective review was performed among children with confirmed RB diagnosis. MRI features were identified to evaluate: 1) growth pattern; 2) intraocular extension; 3) extraocular extension; 4) central nervous system disease; 5) conventional MRI characteristics of the RB lesions; and 6) DWI and ADC characteristics. These features were compared between unilateral and bilateral RB lesions.ResultsTwenty-four children (male/female: 18/6) were included in this study. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 14.7 (11.4) months. In total, 34 RB lesions (bilateral = 18) were evaluated for the study. The most common features on MRI were: 1) endophytic RB lesion (50%); 2) subretinal haemorrhage (38%); 3) scleral involvement (3%); 4) leptomeningeal disease (12%); 5) contrast enhancement (97%); and 6) restricted diffusion (88%). The mean ADC value was 0.64 (0.15) × 10-3 mm2/s. Choroidal invasion (p = 0.05) and scleral involvement (p = 0.04) were significantly higher for bilateral RB lesions.ConclusionsContrast enhancement and restricted diffusion are the most common neuroimaging features of RB. Choroidal invasion and scleral involvement are more frequently seen in bilateral disease.

Exercise-induced Valsalva retinopathy: A case report and literature review

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 vision recovery; however, literature suggests that an individualized approach to each patient is required.

Vitrectomy for Subretinal and Submacular Hemorrhages

Submacular hemorrhage (SMH) is relatively rare in retinal practice. However, it is an important complication of many choroidal and retinal diseases, particularly neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). When untreated the visual prognosis is poor, especially in patients with AMD, and SMHs cannot be effectively treated with only anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection. The current therapeutic approach is based upon the displacement of the subretinal hemorrhage away from the central retina as soon as possible. The use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been an important milestone in the treatment of SMHs. Current vitrectomy techniques for SMH management include subretinal tPA injection and aspiration of the blood, and subretinal tPA, and air/anti-VEGF injection with gas tamponade. Submacular surgery, which involves removal of the SMH and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) through a retinotomy, seems to be a technique reserved for selected cases where central retinal pigment epithelium appears to be undiseased/uninvolved. Among the non-surgical treatment options, pneumatic displacement with intravitreal tPA and gas injection may be preferred especially for small-medium sized and thin SMHs. However, the favored approach in real-life conditions is shaped by the physician's experience and the available treatment options. Regardless of the preferred approach, the continuity of the treatment of the underlying pathology is important. As the underlying pathology is usually a CNV, the continuation of anti-VEGF treatment is important for maintaining the visual gain of the initial treatment and reducing the risk of recurrent SMH. The breakthrough development rate of the drugs and the surgical techniques for the treatment of retinal diseases promises in terms of new and more effective treatment approaches.