vitreous haemorrhage

Question 1

what is vitreous haemorrhage?

Answer 1

bleeding into the vitreous humour

Question 2

what are the common causes of vitreous haemorrhage?

Answer 2

1. proliferative diabetic retinopathy (>50%)
2. posterior vitreous detachment
3. ocular trauma (most common cause in younger pts)

Question 3

what do pts with vitreous haemorrhage typically present with?

Answer 3

1. painless visual loss/haze
2. red hue in vision
3. floaters/shadows/dark spots in vision

Question 4

what are the signs of vitreous haemorrhage?

Answer 4

1. decreased visual acuity: variable depending on location, size and degree of vitreous haemorrhage
2. visual field defect: if severe haemorrhage

Question 5

what are the investigations done for vitreous haemorrhage?

Answer 5

1. dilated fundoscopy: may show haemorrhage in vitreous cavity
2. slit-lamp examination: RBCs in anterior vitreous
3. ultrasound: to rule out retinal tear/detachment
4. fluorescein angiography: to identify neovascularisation
5. orbital CT: used if open globe injury

Question 6

what are the risk factors for vitreous haemorrhage?

Answer 6

1. DM
2. trauma
3. anticoagulants
4. coagulation disorders
5. severe short sightedness