Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage associated with regressed retinopathy of prematurity in a 47-year-old patient: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Vitreous hemorrhage associated with retinopathy of prematurity is often seen in childhood, but adult onset without retinal break is rare. We describe a case of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage associated with regressed retinopathy of prematurity in a 47-year-old patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old Japanese woman with a history of retinopathy of prematurity presented with a visual disturbance in her left eye due to vitreous hemorrhage. Because the vitreous hemorrhage was recurrent and refractory, we performed pars plana vitrectomy combined with lens extraction by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. No retinal break or retinal detachment was found. No vitreous hemorrhage or other complication occurred in the first six months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy, potentially in combination with lens extraction, should be considered in adult-onset recurrent vitreous hemorrhage associated with retinopathy of prematurity.