What Is Vitreous Hemorrhage?
A vitreous hemorrhage occurs when blood enters the vitreous cavity of the eye, obstructing the passage of light to the retina and leading to visual disturbances. This bleeding can result from various underlying conditions or injuries.
Symptoms of Vitreous Hemorrhage
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation:
- Sudden onset of floaters or dark spots in your vision
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- A reddish tint to vision
- Flashes of light (photopsia)
These symptoms are typically painless but can significantly impact vision quality.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina due to diabetes, which can rupture and bleed into the vitreous.
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) with or without Retinal Tear: The vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, potentially causing tears and subsequent bleeding.
- Ocular Trauma: Injuries to the eye can damage blood vessels, leading to hemorrhage.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion: Blockage of retinal veins can increase pressure, causing vessels to leak or rupture.
How We Diagnose Vitreous Hemorrhage
At River City Retina Consultants, we employ advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately identify vitreous hemorrhages:
- Comprehensive Dilated Eye Examination: Allows for detailed visualization of the vitreous and retina.
- B-Scan Ultrasonography: Useful when the view is obstructed by hemorrhage, this imaging assesses retinal integrity and detects detachments.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional images of the retina to evaluate any structural abnormalities.
- Optos Photography: Ultra-wide field color fundus photography.
Treatment Options for Vitreous Hemorrhage
Effective treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause.
Medications
- Intravitreal Injections: Anti-VEGF medications help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and bleeding, particularly in diabetic retinopathy cases.
- Steroid Injections: Can help control inflammation and reduce swelling/edema in select cases.
Laser Therapy
- Laser Photocoagulation: Targets and seals leaking or ruptured blood vessels to prevent further bleeding.
Surgical Options
- Vitrectomy Surgery: In cases where hemorrhage doesn’t clear or is associated with retinal detachment, surgical removal of the vitreous gel and blood may be necessary to restore vision.
