Vitreous Haemorrhage: causes, symptoms and treatment options

A vitreous haemorrhage occurs when blood enters the vitreous gel inside the eye, potentially leading to vision loss. Common causes include retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, and eye trauma. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial, as there may be a risk of permanent blindness.

What is a Vitreous Haemorrhage?

A vitreous haemorrhage happens when blood leaks into the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance within the eye. This can cause sudden changes in vision, including significant vision loss.

Causes of Vitreous Haemorrhage

Vitreous haemorrhage can be caused by bleeding from either abnormal or normal blood vessels:

• Abnormal Vessels:
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: A leading cause, where diabetes damages retinal blood vessels, leading to the growth of fragile, abnormal vessels that bleed easily.
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion: Blockage of veins that drain the retina, causing abnormal blood vessels to develop and leak blood into the vitreous.
• Normal Vessels:
  • Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): As the vitreous ages, it may liquify and detach from the retina, potentially causing a retinal tear or detachment and rupturing normal blood vessels, leading to a vitreous haemorrhage.
  • Eye Trauma: Injuries to the eye can rupture normal blood vessels at the back of the eye, leading to bleeding into the vitreous.

Symptoms of Vitreous Haemorrhage

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the haemorrhage and typically appear suddenly. These may include:

• An increase in eye floaters, or spots that move across your vision
• Blurred or cloudy vision
• A reddish hue in the vision
• Partial or total loss of vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to contact an eye specialist immediately for an examination.

Treatment Options for Vitreous Haemorrhage

Treatment depends on the severity of the haemorrhage and its underlying cause:

• Mild Cases: May resolve on their own as the blood is absorbed without the need for intervention.
• Severe Cases: A vitrectomy may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel and blood, allowing the surgeon to address any underlying issues, such as a retinal detachment, which could otherwise result in blindness.

What to Expect After Vitreous Haemorrhage Treatment

Recovery outcomes depend on the cause of the haemorrhage. For more information on what to expect after a vitrectomy, including when you can resume activities like driving, flying, and exercise, please visit our vitrectomy page.

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