Vitreous Bleeds

Vitreous is the name of the deep-seated, clear, gel-like substance found inside the eyeball which is responsible for maintaining the shape of the eye. Vitreous bleeds or haemorrages are actually a misnomer as it is not the vitreous that bleeds (as the vitreous itself has no blood vessels), but rather the retinal vessels which bleed into the vitreous.

Vitreous hemorrhage or bleeding inside the eye is a serious condition which may occur due to trauma or due to certain diseases of the eye like Diabetic Retinopathy or Eale’s disease. Bleeding may be minor leading to complaints of ‘shower of particles’ in the visual field especially on movement. Or it may be major leading to loss of vision. Bleeds may subside on their own with small amounts of blood getting naturally reabsorbed. Larger bleeds may require surgical intervention called a vitrectomy to re-establish vision. Many times exact cause can only be established after vitrectomy. Bleeds may recur depending on the cause. In all circumstances, the situation merits careful examination and assessment of the underlying cause and its treatment. Vitreous which is removed is replaced by air, other gases, fluid or oil depending on the cause. Multiple surgeries may be required.