A retinal hemorrhage means there is bleeding inside the layers of your retina. Think of it as a bruise on the light-sensitive film of your eye. It is a sign of an underlying problem, not a disease itself.
A retinal hemorrhage means there is bleeding inside the layers of your retina. Think of it as a bruise on the light-sensitive film of your eye. It is a sign of an underlying problem, not a disease itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the bleed: A sudden appearance of many floaters or "cobwebs." Blurry or distorted vision. A reddish tint or dark shadows in your vision. Main Risk Factors: Underlying conditions like diabetic retinopathy, blocked retinal veins, advanced macular degeneration, high blood pressure, or eye trauma.
Diagnosis
A dilated eye exam will reveal the bleeding. The critical step is to find the cause. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and may perform an OCT scan or angiogram to see the blood vessels in detail. You may also need your blood pressure checked or other systemic tests.
Treatments
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. Many small hemorrhages will clear on their own over time, like a bruise. The goal is to manage the condition that caused it (e.g., better diabetes control, treating a vein blockage). For a large bleed that doesn't clear, a surgery called a vitrectomy may be recommended to remove the blood.