Retinal hemorrhage

Retinal hemorrhage is a disorder of the eye characterized by bleeding into the retina. It can occur in all age groups, but is most common in older adults. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and trauma to the eye.

Causes

Retinal hemorrhage can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Diabetes: This is a common cause of retinal hemorrhage. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding.

• Hypertension: High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to hemorrhage.

• Trauma: Injury to the eye can cause retinal hemorrhage. This is often seen in cases of physical abuse or accidents.

• Blood disorders: Conditions that affect the blood's ability to clot, such as hemophilia or sickle cell disease, can lead to retinal hemorrhage.

Symptoms

The symptoms of retinal hemorrhage can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

• Blurred vision
• Floaters or spots in the field of vision
• Loss of vision
• Pain in the eye

Diagnosis

Retinal hemorrhage is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include:

• Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see at various distances.
• Dilated eye exam: Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. This allows the doctor to examine the retina and other parts of the eye more thoroughly.
• Fluorescein angiography: A dye is injected into a vein in your arm. The dye travels through the blood vessels in your eye. A special camera takes photos of the dye as it flows through the blood vessels in the retina. This helps to identify any damage or abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for retinal hemorrhage depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Laser surgery: This can be used to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further bleeding.
• Vitrectomy: In severe cases, a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel from the middle of the eye may be necessary.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be used to control underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

See also

• Retina
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Hypertensive retinopathy

Retinal hemorrhage Resources
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