Everything to Know About Vitreous Haemorrhage Symptoms

Changes in your vision can be unsettling, even if they appear gradually. Recognising the early signs of eye conditions is essential for maintaining clear and healthy vision. Understanding vitreous haemorrhage symptoms can help you identify potential issues and take timely steps to consult an eye specialist.

Paying attention to subtle differences in your eyesight can significantly improve your eye health journey.

What Is Vitreous Haemorrhage?

Vitreous haemorrhage develops when blood leaks into the vitreous humour, causing vision impairment. The source of the bleeding can vary, sometimes coming from abnormal vessels, whereas normal blood vessels typically do not leak. Changes in the eye’s delicate network of blood vessels or other underlying factors may contribute to bleeding.

Understanding the Vitreous Humour

The vitreous humour is composed primarily of water and hyaluronic acid, providing structural support to the eye. When bleeding occurs within this gel, red blood cells scatter light entering the eye, leading to visual disturbances. Because the vitreous is transparent, any blood present is more noticeable, even in small amounts.

Common Causes of Vitreous Haemorrhage

Several factors can contribute to vitreous haemorrhage. Understanding potential triggers is important for identifying the underlying cause and determining the appropriate management.

Common contributors include:

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

In this condition, fragile new blood vessels may form on the retina. These vessels are more likely to bleed, leading to changes in vision.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

When the vitreous gel separates from the retina, it can sometimes cause small retinal tears. This process may allow blood to enter the vitreous humour.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Blockage of a retinal vein increases pressure in surrounding blood vessels. The increased pressure can lead to bleeding within the vitreous.

Retinal Tears and Detachment

A tear or detachment in the retina may create openings through which blood may leak into the vitreous humour.

Trauma

Blunt trauma to the eye can rupture blood vessels, causing sudden bleeding and visual changes.

Retinal Macroaneurysms and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Fragile or abnormal vessels associated with these conditions can leak or rupture, contributing to vitreous haemorrhage.

High Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure can place additional stress on the eye’s blood vessels, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Each of these causes may vary in severity, and in many cases, more than one factor may be involved. Identifying the underlying contributor is important for determining a suitable management approach.

Recognising Vitreous Haemorrhage Symptoms

Being aware of the symptoms of vitreous haemorrhage is crucial for seeking timely assessment and care. Early recognition allows your eye specialist to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate management.

Common signs to watch for include:

Sudden Floaters or Spots: Small shapes or specks may appear in your field of vision suddenly.
Shadows or Dark Areas: Portions of your visual field may appear dim or obscured.
Blurred or Hazy Vision: Clarity may decrease, making details harder to see.
Red or Pink Tint: Vision may take on a subtle reddish hue due to blood.
Reduced Visual Acuity in Severe Cases: Significant bleeding can affect sharpness and focus.

The intensity and combination of these symptoms may vary depending on the amount of blood present and the underlying cause. In some instances, bleeding occurs gradually, and visual changes may be subtle initially.

Monitoring any new or unusual changes in your vision is an important step in maintaining long-term eye health.

Diagnostic Process

If you notice any signs of vitreous haemorrhage, an eye specialist may perform:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal layers
Ultrasonography if the view of the retina is obscured
Fluorescein angiography to identify abnormal vessels

These diagnostic steps help determine the source of the bleeding and the appropriate treatment approach.

How Is Vitreous Haemorrhage Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the bleed and the underlying cause. Options include:

Observation: Small haemorrhages may clear naturally over weeks or months.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention, such as vitrectomy surgery, may be considered to improve vision.
Managing Underlying Conditions: Treating diabetic retinopathy, high blood pressure, or macular degeneration can prevent further bleeding.

Your ophthalmologist will guide you on the suitable approach based on your specific situation.

Preventing Recurrence

While not all cases of vitreous haemorrhage can be prevented, controlling underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and retinal disorders can reduce risk. Routine eye examinations allow early detection of abnormal vessels before significant bleeding occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vitreous haemorrhage cause permanent vision loss?

Permanent vision loss is uncommon when the underlying cause is identified and managed promptly. In more severe cases, such as retinal detachment, surgical intervention may be required to preserve vision.

How long does it take for blood to clear from the vitreous humour?

The time for blood to clear can vary widely. In some cases, it may take a few weeks, while in others it can take several months, depending on the amount of bleeding and the underlying condition contributing to the haemorrhage.

Can vitreous haemorrhage occur in both eyes?

Yes, vitreous haemorrhage can affect one or both eyes. The likelihood often depends on the specific cause and on underlying conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.

What lifestyle changes help reduce the risk?

Reducing risk involves managing eye conditions. This includes maintaining stable blood sugar and blood pressure levels, protecting your eyes from trauma, and attending regular eye examinations to monitor for early signs of abnormal blood vessels or retinal changes.

Conclusion

Signs of vitreous haemorrhage can vary in severity, but recognising early signs and understanding the potential underlying causes is vital for effective care. With proper monitoring, treatment, and management of contributing conditions, many individuals can maintain good visual function.

Regular eye examinations and timely intervention are key to safeguarding your eye health and preventing complications.

If you notice any changes in your vision or suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of vitreous haemorrhage, it’s important to seek professional assessment promptly. Our experienced eye specialists are here to provide thorough examinations, personalised advice, and effective management options tailored to your needs.

Book a consultation with Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 to improve your vision and address any concerns with confidence. Your eye health is our priority, and early attention can make a significant difference.

Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.

References

Mehta, P. (2024, December 30). What Is a Vitreous Hemorrhage? WebMD. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/what-is-vitreous-hemorrhage

Rowden, A. (2023, December 20). What Is Optical Coherence Tomography and How Does It Work? Medical News Today. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/optical-coherence-tomography

Shaikh, N., Srishti, R., Khanum, A., Thirumalesh, M. B., Dave, V., Arora, A., Bansal, R., Surve, A., Azad, S., & Kumar, V. (2023). Vitreous Hemorrhage – Causes, Diagnosis, and Management. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 71(1), 28–38. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.ijo_928_22