H43.12

Clinical Causes: Diabetic retinopathy (common in people with diabetes where abnormal blood vessels bleed into the vitreous) Trauma or injury to the eye Retinal tears or detachment leading to bleeding Age-related changes weakening blood vessels Blood vessel disorders, such as hypertension or blood clotting problems Inflammatory diseases involving the eye Tumors or other abnormal growths in or around the eye

Key Symptoms: Sudden onset of vision loss or visual impairment in the affected eye Appearance of floaters—small spots or threads that drift through the field of vision Presence of blurry or curtain-like shadow affecting part or all of the visual field Seeing flashing lights, especially at the onset Discomfort or a sensation of pressure in the eye Redness or swelling may be present if an injury or inflammation is involved

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination. The eye care professional will examine the retina and vitreous using specialized instruments such as a slit-lamp microscope or indirect ophthalmoscope. Sometimes, additional imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) or B-scan ultrasonography are used if the view of the retina is obscured. These diagnostic tools help to determine the cause and extent of the hemorrhage and assess for concurrent retinal injuries or detachments.

Treatment Protocols: Management of a vitreous hemorrhage depends on its severity and underlying cause. Options may include: - Observation: Small, mild hemorrhages often resolve spontaneously over weeks to months. - Medications: Corticosteroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections may be used in certain cases to reduce inflammation or control abnormal blood vessel growth. - Laser therapy or surgery: For persistent or large hemorrhages, procedures such as laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy may be necessary to remove blood and repair retinal damage. - Addressing underlying conditions: Effective management of diabetes, blood pressure, or other systemic issues is crucial to prevent recurrence. Regular follow-up with an eye care professional is essential to monitor healing and to identify any complications early.