What is vitreous hemorrhage?

Vitreous Hemorrhage

What is a vitreous hemorrhage?

A vitreous hemorrhage is bleeding into the thick fluid that fills the center of the eye. This fluid is called the vitreous gel. The gel is clear, so light passes through it to the retina. The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye that sends images to your brain.

Having blood in the vitreous gel can keep light from reaching your retina. This causes vision problems. If the bleeding is severe, it can cause vision loss.

What are the symptoms of a vitreous hemorrhage?

The symptoms of a vitreous hemorrhage start suddenly. They may include:

  • Blurred vision.
  • Floaters. These are black specks or strings that float across your field of vision.
  • Flashes of light.

Symptoms may be worse in the morning. That's because lying down can cause the blood to pool in the back of your eye.

Vitreous hemorrhage: When to call

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have vision changes.
  • You see new flashes of light.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You see new or worse floaters.
  • You do not get better as expected.

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