A unique case of valsalva retinopathy in a conch blower

PURPOSE: Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy is a form of preretinal hemorrhage that develops after a valsalva maneuver, leading to rupture of the superficial retinal capillaries. Here, we report a case of valsalva retinopathy secondary to blowing a conch, the first case report of its kind. The patient blew conch, which was part of his daily ritual to pray to God as he was a Hindu priest. OBSERVATIONS: A 58-year-man developed an acute decrease in vision to 5/60 in his right eye after blowing the conch while performing “Puja,” which is the act of praying to God in Hindu culture. Ophthalmoscopy showed a fresh preretinal hemorrhage over the macula in his right eye. YAG laser membranotomy was performed, and his vision returned to 6/6. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Conch “Shankha” is a religious instrument used routinely in Hindu culture. Its mechanism is very much similar to that of a wind instrument. This is the first case report of valsalva retinopathy caused by conch blowing.