Vitreous Hemorrhage

When blood leaks into the vitreous humor in the eye, it is known as a vitreous hemorrhage. One of the most common causes of decreased vision, a vitreous hemorrhage affects the vitreous humor, a gel area between the retina and eye lens. The vitreous humor is 99% water and 1% collagen and hyaluronic acid that creates a clear, jelly-like substance. A vitreous hemorrhage can range from mild to severe, so patients in Ocala, FL and the surrounding areas who have symptoms of a vitreous hemorrhage should schedule an appointment. With years of experience and training as a retina specialist, our retina surgeon Dr. Shalesh Kaushal at Comprehensive Retina Consultants strives to provide the best care and treatment for our patients.

There are many causes that can lead to a vitreous hemorrhage, including a trauma or injury to the eye. In some cases, the vitreous hemorrhage is caused by an abnormal blood vessel or another eye condition, like retinal vein occlusion or retinal detachment. Patients with diabetes may develop diabetic retinopathy that can lead to a vitreous hemorrhage if left untreated.

Patients with risk factors for a vitreous hemorrhage should watch for symptoms. Since the blood settles into the back of the eye when lying down at night, many patients notice their symptoms are worse in the morning. The most common symptoms of a vitreous hemorrhage are:

• Floaters, hazes, shadows, or spots in vision
• Limited visual field or acuity (sharpness of vision)
• Perceived flashes of light (photopsia)
• Sudden blindness or impaired vision

Patients at risk for a vitreous hemorrhage or who have symptoms should schedule an eye exam with Dr. Kaushal. In addition to common eye tests, Dr. Kaushal can perform an indirect ophthalmoscopy with a scleral depression to study the back of the eye and retina. Other tests include dilating the unaffected eye and a gonioscopy to check the fluid drain between the iris and cornea. To help create the best treatment plan based on the patient’s unique case, Dr. Kaushal can use an ultrasound to map the structures of the eye and take measurements.

In some cases, the hemorrhage may be mild enough that the eye will heal without any treatment, but it is best to have a professional like Dr. Kaushal make this decision. For moderate to severe cases, eye surgery can be performed. A vitrectomy is an option if the vitreous hemorrhage has progressed to a retinal detachment. Comprehensive Retina Consultants also offers advanced treatments like laser pan-retinal photocoagulation that prevent the growth of blood vessels near the retina to avoid future problems.

A patient’s prognosis will depend on the severity of their vitreous hemorrhage, if other eye conditions are present, and the treatment used. Dr. Kaushal will talk to each patient about their best treatment options and what to expect after the procedure.

A vitreous hemorrhage can lead to many other serious eye problems, including blindness, if not properly diagnosed and treated. If you are experiencing symptoms of a vitreous hemorrhage, schedule an appointment with retina specialist Dr. Shalesh Kaushal at Comprehensive Retina Consultants in Ocala, FL. Dr. Kaushal and his team will help you understand your condition and treatment options for the best outcome.