Retinal bleeding

Retinal Bleeding is a medical condition characterized by the leakage of blood from the retina's blood vessels into the surrounding areas. The retina is a thin layer of tissue located on the inside back wall of the eye, responsible for receiving light and converting it into neural signals sent to the brain for visual recognition. Retinal bleeding can occur due to various reasons, including but not limited to, diabetes, hypertension, eye injuries, and certain blood disorders. It is a symptom that can lead to serious complications, including vision loss, if not treated promptly.

Causes

Retinal bleeding can be caused by several conditions, including:

• Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes characterized by damage to the blood vessels of the retina.
• Hypertensive retinopathy: Damage to the retina due to high blood pressure.
• Retinal vein occlusion: Blockage of the veins that carry blood away from the retina.
• Retinal detachment: When the retina separates from the back of the eye.
• Macular degeneration: A disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
• Trauma to the eye.

Symptoms

Symptoms of retinal bleeding can vary depending on the severity and cause of the bleeding but may include:

• Vision changes, such as blurriness or sudden vision loss.
• The appearance of floaters or dark spots in one's vision.
• Flashes of light.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of retinal bleeding involves a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:

• Visual acuity test to measure vision clarity.
• Fundus photography to capture detailed images of the retina.
• Fluorescein angiography, a procedure that uses a special dye to highlight the blood vessels in the eye.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a scan that provides cross-sectional images of the retina to assess its thickness and structure.

Treatment

Treatment for retinal bleeding depends on the underlying cause but may include:

• Laser surgery to seal leaking blood vessels or to shrink abnormal blood vessels.
• Vitrectomy, a surgery to remove blood from the vitreous (the clear gel that fills the eye) and to repair the retina.
• Intravitreal injections of medication to reduce swelling and stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
• Management of underlying conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, to prevent further damage.

Prevention

Preventing retinal bleeding involves managing any underlying health conditions that could contribute to eye damage. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of potential problems.