A vitreous hemorrhage can result in sudden, painless loss of vision. In patients with diabetes, the cause may be due to either a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Remember, the proliferative phase of the diabetic retinopathy means that there are areas of neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel proliferation) on the surface of the retina.
In cases where a diabetic patient is diagnosed with a vitreous hemorrhage, my job is to ensure that the cause is not due to a retinal tear or a retinal detachment. This can be done by dilating the eye and examining.
You Can’t See Out and I Can’t See In
Sometimes there is so much blood I can not see much or any of the retina. In these cases, we perform an ultrasound of the eye to make sure the retina is attached.
Sometimes, an ultrasound can locate a retinal tear. If there is no retinal tear, or retinal detachment, then I am pretty sure that the vitreous hemorrhage is due to the proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Fragile Vessels
Neovascular vessels are very fragile and may easily break open and bleed. This may occur with or without straining. The blood can fill the vitreous cavity causing sudden “loss” of sight. Vision is “lost” (not permanently) due to physical blockage of light.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Bleeding in the vitreous is benign. It causes no damage to the vision or to any part of the eye. On the other hand, as it physically blocks light, patients don’t see well.
Sometimes it is Best to do Nothing
Usually, when I am sure the bleeding is due to diabetic retinopathy, I recommend a period of doing nothing. We watch and wait. In doctor lingo, we are observing.
Patients Tire of Not Seeing
After a few weeks, or sometimes longer, we may decide to operate to remove the blood. Sometimes the blood absorbs on its own and sometimes it doesn’t. At some point, patients with non-absorbing blood in the eye become tired of the prolonged decreased vision. A vitrectomy is then scheduled to remove the blood.
What Does This Mean? The sudden loss of vision can be devastating for anyone. In cases when the loss of vision is due to a vitreous hemorrhage, we need to assess the threat of permanent vision loss due to other causes such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
If the eye is stable, that is, we can safely observe, it is sometimes tough to reassure patients that while they just “lost” their vision, the best idea is to do nothing! Their “lost” vision is temporary.
I often will have a patient return in a short week or two to reassess and help relieve anxiety.
Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, if you remember, will require laser treatment (pan-retinal photocoagulation, aka PRP) to reverse the neovascularization.
While we are waiting for the hemorrhage to clear, at the same time we are mindful that laser treatment is ultimately needed. If the vitreous hemorrhage clears by itself, laser can be applied in the office. If we end up operating, the laser can be applied at the same time as the vitrectomy.
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If I have no vision in right eye and vitreous hemorrhage in left eye due to diabetic and a retinal tear and could not see how to drive nor read, would I be able to work?
Dear Althea,
I guess it really depends upon what type of work you do. Can you read this?
Make sure that someone, likely a retinal specialist, takes a look at you.
Best of luck.
Randy
my elder cousin sister (age 40 ), one day she was teaching her daughter then suddenly shr=e lost the view of her left eye tell me wat it could be doctor says it is vitreous hameerge its been more then 2 months she is not able to see tell me she has to operate or it will be ok automaticaly witouht operation ,
thanks
Dear Ranjeet,
A vitreous hemorrhage, by itself, does not cause a problem, but the cause of the vitreous hemorrhage can be problematic.
Is your cousin diabetic?
Randy
I am diabetics patient since 20 years and have undergone diabetics retinopathy surgery due to bleeding in eye doctor says i have to wait for 2 months for my vision .i am 40 years old weather i will get my vision or not please reply with your valuable advice thank you sir.
Dear Aejaz,
I can better help you if I know how good or bad your vision was prior to surgery, and why did yo have surgery?
Often, my patients get some bleeding after surgery and it takes several weeks for the blood to absorb. I don’t know if this is the case with you and would encourage you to ask your surgeon.
Good luck. Write back and let us know how you are doing!
Randy
Dear sir,
thanks for your reply,i have undergone before my operation laser treatment non proliferative diabetic ratinophathy 14 times..now after the bleeding in my right eye the doctor has done this operation .
diagnosis:-
summary :- ou-lasered -proliferative diabatic ratinophathy..
-od-cataract
premacular haemorrhage
-os -vitreomacular traction
Treatment done-
-od -parspalna -vitrectomy+membrane peeling ++ endolaser +intravitreal triam cinolone-asitonide+phacoemol sication +10 L -Done-under-LA -ON 22/6/2011
Previous to this operation i had blurred vision
the eye on which i had operation , i am unable to see anything from it,.
can you plz tell how many weeks it make taketo get the vision back
with regards,
Aejaz
what about PDR with vitrous haemorrhage and glucoma developed in the affected eye
Dear gfry,
Yes, PDR can lead to neovascular glaucoma.
Randy