The vitreous of the eye is clear, viscous fluid that is present inside the eye. Several diseases can cause blood to fill the vitreous. The light which enters the eye is not allowed to reach the retina. Vitreous hemorrhage results in a abnormal vision as this prevents the light to pass the vitreous to reach the retina. It particularly occurs in front of the retina which is located in the posterior part of your eye.
This medical condition may result from neovascularization of the retina or retinal tears. Bleeding from blood vessels may also cause this condition. The vitreous body volume is 4ml approximately in adults. This consists 80% of the globe. It is made up of water (99%), collagen and hyaluronic acid (1%). It also contains soluble compounds like ions, trace cells and proteins.
Vitreous hemorrhage may also result from some other underlying disease condition. These includes sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cartoid artery and hypertension. Diabetics are more prone to this disease as it induces the proliferation of new blood vessels inside the eye. The blood vessels are fragile and tend to bleed easily. Therefore, blindness is a matter of concern for diabetic patients. Vitreous hemorrhage generally occurs in patients who are over 50. But it can also occur at any age.
Symptoms Of Vitreous Hemorrhage
Patients who are suffering from vitreous hemorrhage may endure any one of the following symptoms:
- Light flashes
- Sudden onset of blurry vision
- Blindness
- Floaters (Dots floating across the field of vision)
Treating Vitreous Hemorrhage
Observation may be the initial treatment for vitreous hemorrhage. Usually minor hemorrhages clot and dissolve on their own over a period of time. But it may usually take months to fully recover your vision from a vitreous hemorrhage.
Currently few drugs are being discovered which can resolve the vitreous gel inside the eye. This reduces the recovery time in patients. These drugs are still being clinically investigated and are awaiting for approval by FDA (Food And Drug Administration).
A vitrectomy is suggested for a more severe form of vitreous hemorrhage. It is a surgical procedure that eliminates the blood and vitreous from inside the eye. After removing the vitreous, a saline solution is refilled which closely matches the natural vitreous fluid present in your eye.
