Retinal neovascularization and an angioma-like lesion after demarcation photocoagulation for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Laser photocoagulation might aggravate the ischemia of an area of retinal detachment and predispose the retina to formation of neovascularization and an angioma-like lesion. We present a case of retinal neovascularization (RNV) and an angioma-like lesion occurring after demarcation photocoagulation for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). A 20-year-old woman suffered from a retinal atrophic hole with localized shallow retinal detachment in the right eye. Laser photocoagulation was performed to wall off the area of detachment. Fifteen months later, RNV and an angioma-like lesion had developed in the previously detached retina. Treatment with demarcation photocoagulation for RRD may run a risk of formation of RNV and angioma-like lesion if the retina is not reattached.