Vitreous hemorrhage is when a blood vessel in the eye ruptures and leaks into the clear gel that fills the eye, causing visual symptoms. Treatment options include doing nothing or a vitrectomy, and underlying medical conditions should be addressed to prevent future bleeding.
A vitreous hemorrhage is a medical problem with the eye in which a blood vessel ruptures and leaks into the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye. There are a number of reasons why a vitreous hemorrhage can develop and there are several treatment options available. This condition is usually managed by an ophthalmologist, although if the bleeding was caused by an underlying disease process, another doctor may be consulted to provide more comprehensive treatment.
Most of the eye is occupied by the vitreous. When blood gets into this area of the eye, it can cause spots, blemishes, floaters, and blurred vision. In extreme cases, the patient can develop blindness. These visual symptoms are usually the only sign of a vitreous hemorrhage, as the condition is usually not painful. Sometimes the condition is complicated by a problem such as retinal detachment, depending on what caused the bleeding in the first place.
The tiny blood vessels inside the eye usually break because they are weakened. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetic retinopathy, and sickle cell disease are at increased risk for vitreous hemorrhage. Also, this condition can be caused by trauma to the eye. Other underlying medical conditions may also be involved, making discussion of any existing medical problems an important part of the patient’s work to determine what contributing factors may be involved.
The conservative approach to treatment is to do nothing. In some patients, the leaked blood eventually clots and is reabsorbed, and the vitreous hemorrhage resolves on its own. In people with severe bleeding or exceptional risk factors, your doctor may recommend a vitrectomy, where some of the gel is aspirated and replaced with a saline solution. There are some risks to this procedure and it is generally only recommended when it is needed.
As part of the treatment for vitreous hemorrhage, the doctor will also address other eye conditions and medical problems the patient may be experiencing. It is important to provide treatment for underlying medical problems or the bleeding could come back and the eye could be compromised. Treatments may include changes to the patient’s current treatment plan, as well as tests to determine why the patient’s underlying condition has erupted and led to an eye hemorrhage. For people with conditions that put them at risk for eye problems, it’s important to stay vigilant and manage the condition to prevent such problems from occurring.
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