Inadvertent Ocular Perforation Caused by Traditional Acupuncture

An otherwise healthy woman aged 67 years without any history of ocular disease presented with a 3-day history of visual decline and floaters in the left eye. Three days previously, she had bilateral orbital acupuncture for ear disease. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 OS. On posterior examination, an irregular retinal tear associated with hemorrhage nasal to and approximately one-half disc diameter from the optic nerve head was noted (Figure). Vitreous hemorrhage in front of the macular area presumably accounted for the floaters and decreased vision. Retinal laser photocoagulation at the edge of retinal tear was applied to try to reduce the risk of retinal detachment with careful monitoring recommended.