What Is A Vitreous Hemorrhage?

A vitreous hemorrhage, or bleed, is when blood vessels grow in the gel that fills the eye and then burst.

What Causes A Vitreous Hemorrhage?

• Diabetes
• Retinal break or detachment
• Branch retinal vein occlusion
• Sickle cell anemia
• Trauma

What Are The Symptoms Of A Vitreous Hemorrhage?

The severity of the signs and the effect on sight depends on the size and degree of the vitreous bleeding but may include:

• Blurred vision
• Light flashes
• Floaters that may be dark or red
• Loss of vision

If you have any of the signs of a vitreous hemorrhage, seek the help of an eye doctor right away. Without care, vitreous hemorrhages can lead to sight loss.

How Is A Vitreous Hemorrhage Diagnosed?

Your eye doctor will do an eye exam on both eyes to find the source of the blood. If the doctor is unable to view the retina, an ultrasound test will be used to examine the eye.

How Is A Vitreous Hemorrhage Treated?

Sometimes treatment is not needed for vitreous hemorrhages. Your doctor may suggest bed rest with your head elevated for a few days, and that certain medications be discontinued.

Other times, more intensive treatment may be necessary, such as cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, or surgery to remove the blood.

Only your eye doctor can diagnose or treat a vitreous hemorrhage. If you are having signs of blood in your eyes, seek the help of an eye doctor right away.