Dilated eye examination
The vitreous and visible retina are examined to locate the source.
Urgent retina care
Vitreous Haemorrhage
Assessment and treatment of bleeding into the vitreous.
Specialist care · Advanced technology
Vitreous haemorrhage
Understanding the condition
Clear information for confident decisions.
Vitreous haemorrhage can produce sudden floaters, haze or vision loss.
01ConditionBlood within the vitreous cavity
02Typical onsetSudden floaters, haze or visual loss
03PriorityIdentify the bleeding source
04TreatmentObservation, laser, injections or surgery
Symptoms
What you may notice.
Symptoms vary between people, and some conditions cause no early warning. A specialist examination is needed for an accurate diagnosis.
01
A sudden shower of dark floaters
02
Cobwebs, haze or a reddish tint
03
Shadows moving through vision
04
Painless reduction in vision
05
Vision that varies as blood settles
Causes and risk factors
What may increase your risk.
Having a risk factor does not confirm the condition. Your history and examination are considered together.
01Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
02Retinal tear or detachment
03Retinal vein occlusion or abnormal vessels
04Eye trauma or previous retinal surgery
Assessment01 02 03 04
How it is diagnosed.
Ocular ultrasound
If blood blocks the view, ultrasound checks for retinal tear, detachment or other pathology.
Retinal imaging
OCT, photography or angiography may be used when the view permits.
Medical and trauma history
Diabetes, vascular disease, medicines and recent injury help guide urgency and investigation.
Aftercare
Recovery and follow-up.
01
Keep the recommended posture and activity advice while blood is clearing.
02
Control diabetes and vascular risks with your medical team.
03
Attend repeat examinations because the retina may initially be obscured.
04
Seek urgent care for a curtain, flashes, worsening vision or pain.
Common questions
Answers with clarity.
These answers are general. Your own care plan may differ after examination.
01Will the blood clear by itself?+
Some haemorrhages clear over weeks or months, but the cause must first be identified and treated when necessary.
02Why do I need an ultrasound?+
It can show whether the retina is detached when blood prevents direct examination.
03When is surgery required?+
Vitrectomy is considered for non-clearing or recurrent blood and when retinal pathology needs repair.
04Can I wait if there is no pain?+
No. Vitreous haemorrhage is often painless but can be caused by a retinal tear or other sight-threatening condition.