Valsalva Retinopathy After Yoga in a Patient With No Clear Predisposing Condition

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case of Valsalva retinopathy occurring after yoga in a patient without a clear predisposing condition. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Results: A 36-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of a “blob,” hazy vision, and floaters in her left eye. She was performing a backbend during yoga but denied being in a headstand position. The visual acuity (VA) was 20/20⁻² OS. Ophthalmoscopy showed a retinal hemorrhage inferior to the optic disc in the left eye, which was confirmed on imaging. One month later, ophthalmoscopy and imaging showed almost complete resolution of the hemorrhage with a VA of 20/20⁺² OS. Conclusions: This case of Valsalva retinopathy did not involve a predisposing condition, headstand positioning, or breathing exercises. Therefore, when clinicians encounter young, healthy patients with Valsalva retinopathy, they should consider exposures to activities such as yoga as potential risk factors.