Neonatal macular hemorrhage

Abstract

Retinal hemorrhages occur with increased frequency in neonates following prolonged or difficult labor, especially if associated with primipara, surgical or mechanical intervention, low Apgar scores, perinatal hypoxia, low birth weight or coagulopathy. When involvement occurs peripheral to the arcades resolution occurs generally without sequelae. Hemorrhages involving the macula are much more serious since resolution in these cases may result in degenerative changes or an exudative or glial scar, resulting in amblyopia and possible strabismus. Early examination is warranted in high-risk infants in order to facilitate intervention and the prevention of more serious visual sequelae.