Vitreous haemorrage Flashcards
What is vitreous haemorrhage?
Bleeding into the vitreous humour.
What is one of the most common causes of sudden painless loss of vision?
Vitreous haemorrhage.
What are the possible degrees of vision disruption caused by vitreous haemorrhage?
Ranging from floaters to complete visual loss.
What can be a source of bleeding in vitreous haemorrhage?
Disruption of any vessel in the retina or extension from other areas.
What is the typical rate at which blood is cleared from the retina after vitreous haemorrhage?
Approximately 1% per day.
What is the incidence of spontaneous vitreous haemorrhage?
Around 7 cases per 100,000 patient-years.
What are the common causes of vitreous haemorrhage that account for 90% of cases?
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (over 50%)
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Ocular trauma (most common in children and young adults)
How do patients typically present with vitreous haemorrhage?
- Painless visual loss or haze (commonest)
- Red hue in vision
- Floaters or shadows/dark spots in vision
What sign indicates decreased visual acuity in vitreous haemorrhage?
Variable depending on the location, size, and degree of haemorrhage.
What is a potential visual field defect in severe vitreous haemorrhage?
Visual field defect.
What investigation method may show haemorrhage in the vitreous cavity?
Dilated fundoscopy.
What can a slit-lamp examination reveal in vitreous haemorrhage?
Red blood cells in the anterior vitreous.
When is ultrasound useful in the context of vitreous haemorrhage?
To rule out retinal tear/detachment if haemorrhage obscures the retina.
What is the purpose of fluorescein angiography in vitreous haemorrhage?
To identify neovascularization.
When is orbital CT used in the context of vitreous haemorrhage?
If there is an open globe injury.
