Valsalva retinopathy – a patient with a Leiden mutation in the coagulation factor V gene and increased blood clotting

Valsalva retinopathy is a rare disease in which the pressure in the eye increases, leading to the development of a pre-retinal hemorrhage. It frequently occurs in completely healthy patients and leads to sudden and painless vision loss. It may arise due to vomiting, coughing, constipation, pregnancy, childbirth, and intense physical or sexual activity. In this article, we describe the case of a young man who developed Valsalva retinopathy. The development and progression of nuclear cataracts may be influenced by many factors such as the process of lens oxidation, the use of infusion fluids, light toxicity, duration of vitrectomy or the type of endotamponade. The key to preventing cataract formation after vitrectomy is still elusive.