[Retinal vein occlusion and deep-sea diving]

Abstract

We report a case of retinal vein occlusion after breath-holding diving. After one hour of diving at a maximal depth of eight meters, each apnea no longer than one minute, the patient complained of a diminution of the visual acuity in the left eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed an occlusion of the superior branch of the central vein of the retina in the left eye. This could be considered as a decompression sickness even if the occlusion could happen fortuitously in water. Secondary to the multiple descents, a bubble would have appeared in the vein leading to an obstruction. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a possible link between the breath-holding diving and this kind of accident. We also report the different ophthalmological features that may occur while diving.