Vitreous Haemorrhage (1*)

Question 1

What occurs here?

What are the ways in which it can be caused? Give examples

What is the most common cause?

Answer 1

➊ Blood leaks into vitreous fluid, usually due to a blockage or damage to the retinal vessels

➋ • 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

➌ Diabetic retinopathy

Question 2

How does it present?

When does it tend to be worse? Why?

How is it managed?
→ What’s the option if this doesn’t work?

Answer 2

➊ • Sudden, painless vision loss
• Floaters
• Blurred vision

➋ In the morning as the blood settles at the back of the eye during the night

➌ Most take 6-8 wks to spontaneously clear
→ Vitrectomy