Retinal hemorrhage

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

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

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Retinal hemorrhage Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD