retinal haemangioma

haemangioma, retinal

A benign tumour affecting the retinal capillaries and sometimes the optic nerve. It is often associated with systemic lesions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease. The retinal lesion grows from a small red nodule to a larger yellowish mass accompanied by dilatation and tortuosity of the supplying artery and draining vein, and perhaps hard exudates, macular oedema, epiretinal membrane and retinal detachment. Treatment includes laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy and radiotherapy.