Vitreous Haemorrhage

Vitreous haemorrhage is where blood leaks into the vitreous fluid, usually due to blockage or damage of the retinal vessels. It can be caused by:

• Damage to retinal vessels – Injury, trauma, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion, surgery

• Abnormal retinal vessels – Diabetic retinopathy! (most common cause), macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion

• Bleeding from other parts pf eye – Tumour

Presentation:

• Sudden, painless vision loss

• Floaters

• Blurred vision

• Worse in the morning as the blood settles at the back of the eye during the night

Managed conservatively as most take 6-8 weeks to spontaneously clear. If it doesn't resolve in its own, a Vitrectomy can be done.