Vitreous hemorrhage is bleeding inside the vitreous — the clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. The vitreous normally allows light to pass freely to the retina, helping us see clearly. When blood enters this area, vision becomes blurred, cloudy, or darkened.
This condition is usually painless, but it can cause sudden visual disturbances ranging from mild floaters to major vision loss. Vitreous hemorrhage itself is not a disease, but a sign of another eye or health problem that needs medical attention.
What causes vitreous hemorrhage?
Vitreous hemorrhage develops when blood vessels inside the eye leak or rupture. One of the most common causes is diabetic retinopathy, where fragile abnormal blood vessels form and bleed easily. Retinal tears, retinal detachment, and eye injuries are also frequent causes.
Other possible causes include high blood pressure, retinal vein occlusion, blood disorders, and age-related macular degeneration. In some people, age-related changes in the vitreous can pull on the retina and damage nearby vessels.
Symptoms of vitreous hemorrhage
Symptoms often appear suddenly and may vary depending on the amount of bleeding. Common signs include:
• Floaters or dark spots in vision
• Cobweb-like shadows
• Blurred or hazy eyesight
• Red or brown tint in vision
• Partial or severe vision loss
Many patients describe the sensation as looking through smoke, fog, or dirty glass. Although the condition is typically painless, sudden visual changes should always be evaluated urgently.
Diagnosis and treatment
An eye specialist can diagnose vitreous hemorrhage through a detailed eye examination. Tests such as ocular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OCT) may help identify the source of bleeding, especially if the retina cannot be clearly seen.
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause. In mild cases, the blood may clear naturally over time. More serious cases may require:
• Laser treatment
• Anti-VEGF injections
• Vitrectomy surgery
• Treatment of underlying diseases
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the blood-filled vitreous and replaces it with a clear solution to improve vision.
Recovery and prevention
Recovery can take several weeks or months depending on the amount of bleeding and the condition causing it. Without treatment, vitreous hemorrhage may lead to complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or permanent vision loss.