What is vitreous hemorrhage?
Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when blood leaks into the vitreous—the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. This bleeding can block light from reaching the retina, leading to sudden vision changes. The severity of vision loss depends on the amount of blood present.
Vitreous hemorrhage is not a disease itself, but a sign of an underlying eye condition that needs evaluation and treatment.
Causes and risk factors
- Diabetic retinopathy: Abnormal blood vessels in the retina can bleed into the vitreous.
- Retinal tears or detachment: A tear in the retina can cause blood vessels to break and bleed.
- Retinal vein occlusion: Blockage of a retinal vein can lead to bleeding.
- Trauma: Injury to the eye can cause blood vessels to rupture.
- Other causes: Age-related macular degeneration, sickle cell retinopathy, or other retinal vascular diseases.
Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, nearsightedness (myopia), previous eye surgery, and eye trauma.
Symptoms
- Sudden appearance of floaters (dark spots, cobwebs, or strings)
- Hazy, blurred, or cloudy vision
- Decreased vision or vision loss
- Flashes of light (if associated with retinal tear)
- A reddish tint to vision
Diagnosis
A comprehensive eye examination is essential and may include:
- Dilated retinal examination
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- B-scan ultrasound (if the retina cannot be visualized due to blood)
- Visual acuity testing
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:
- Observation: Small hemorrhages may clear on their own over weeks to months.
- Vitrectomy surgery: Surgical removal of the vitreous gel and blood is recommended for dense or non-clearing hemorrhages, or if a retinal tear or detachment is present.
- Laser therapy or cryotherapy: Used to treat retinal tears or abnormal blood vessels.
- Management of underlying conditions: Such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein
occlusion.
Prognosis and ongoing care
- Vision often improves as the blood is absorbed, but recovery depends on the underlying cause and promptness of treatment.
- Regular follow-up is important to monitor for complications such as retinal detachment or recurrent bleeding.
- Addressing the underlying cause is essential to prevent recurrence.
Our approach
We provide rapid evaluation, advanced imaging, and the latest surgical and medical treatments for vitreous hemorrhage. Our goal is to restore vision, address the underlying cause, and support you throughout your recovery.
Patient Resources
If you have additional questions or need support, please contact our office. We are here to help you every step of the way.