Figure 1. Vitreous hemorrhage from diabetic retinopathy (a), with later images after treatment. Image: Hu X, et al. BMC Ophthalmol 2019;19:200, Fig. 4, CC BY 4.0. Source
What is it?
A vitreous hemorrhage is bleeding into the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. Even a small amount of blood can cause many new floaters, cobwebs or a reddish haze, and a larger bleed can make vision very blurry. Common causes are diabetes, a tear in the retina when the gel pulls away with age, a blocked vein, or an injury.
What do I do about it?
First I find out why it happened. If I can’t see through the blood, I use an ultrasound to make sure the retina is attached and to look for a tear. Blood often clears on its own over weeks to months, and sleeping with your head raised helps it settle out of your line of sight. Depending on the cause, I may treat with laser, eye injections, or a vitrectomy to remove the blood. Keep taking prescribed blood thinners unless the doctor who prescribed them tells you otherwise.
When should I call?
Call my office the same day at 408-540-3559 if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters or darker vision
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
- New flashes of light
- Eye pain
This page is for general education and does not replace an exam. Call Cai Retina at 408-540-3559 with questions.