Long-term outcome of neonatal macular hemorrhage

Background: We studied long-term visual acuity in children who had macular hemorrhages at birth. Methods: Of 11 involved children, seven had eye examinations at about age 10. Two were contacted by telephone; two were lost to follow up. Results: Of the seven examined children, six had normal visual acuities. One had reduced vision in the eye with the macular hemorrhage, possibly related to deprivation amblyopia secondary to slow resorption of the hemorrhage. The two patients contacted by telephone reported normal vision. Conclusion: Although macular hemorrhages generally resolve without any lasting damage, the outcome may be less favorable in some patients.