Vitreous Haemorrhage
This occurs when there is a bleed into the VITREOUS GEL.
The commoner causes are :
- a tear in the retina which has coincidentally torn a blood vessel in the retina.
- a broken abnormal new vessel, such as occurs in diabetes or retinal vein blockage (thrombosis).
- injury to the eye by accident assault or surgery can cause blood in the vitreous gel.
- ageing of the retina or aneurysm formation on a retinal vessel, can result in a bleed under the retina being sufficiently large to burst through the retina into the vitreous gel.
Symptoms
Patients notice a sudden shower of floaters like a rain storm, there may be a floating dense streak, or vision may be completely dimmed if the hæmorrhage is dense.
Investigation
Often an ultrasound scan will be done to see if there is any associated retinal detachment, if the view into the eye is impaired.
Treatment
Sometimes the blood clears on its own, this can take three months. Even after vision is clear there are often residual persistent floaters.
If vision needs to be restored straight away, or if there is concern that there is an underlying problem that needs treatment by laser, then an operation to clear the blood may be recommended. ie. Vitrectomy
This information site has been provided by varied UK and US eye doctors for patients with eye problems.
Once your eye doctor has made a diagnosis or recommended an investigation or treatment, then you will be able to find further explanation on this site.
It is not a self diagnosis centre. It should not be relied upon without taking professional advice.