Vitreous Haemorrhage Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Vitreous haemorrhage can affect vision in varying degrees depending on the underlying cause. Understanding vitreous haemorrhage symptoms and their potential triggers can help you make decisions about your eye health and ensure timely consultation with an eye care professional.
This article explains the causes, signs, and related conditions associated with vitreous haemorrhage, offering a clear guide to recognising changes in your vision.
What Is a Vitreous Haemorrhage?
A vitreous haemorrhage happens when blood leaks into the vitreous humour, the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of your eye.
This can interfere with vision and may arise from various underlying conditions affecting the retinal blood vessels or abnormal blood vessels. The degree of visual disruption depends on the amount of blood present and the location within the affected eye.
Common Causes of Vitreous Haemorrhage
A vitreous haemorrhage can result from a variety of conditions that affect the eye’s retinal vessels or the vitreous humour.
Some of the frequent causes include:
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
This occurs when the vitreous detaches from the retina, creating traction on retinal vessels. This pulling can occasionally lead to small amounts of bleeding into the vitreous humour.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Persistently high blood sugar can trigger the growth of fragile new blood vessels. These abnormal new blood vessels are prone to leakage, increasing the risk of a vitreous haemorrhage.
Retinal Tears or Retinal Detachment
A retinal tear can allow blood from retinal veins to enter the vitreous humour, particularly if the tear is associated with traction or underlying vascular issues.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Conditions such as central retinal vein occlusion or other vein occlusions raise intraocular pressure, which can cause them to rupture or leak, leading to bleeding.
Retinal Macroaneurysms
These are localised enlargements of retinal blood vessels that can burst, introducing blood into the vitreous humour and affecting visual acuity.
Blunt Trauma
Accidental injury or impact to the eye can directly damage normal blood vessels or exacerbate fragile new blood vessels, resulting in a haemorrhage.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension can place stress on retinal vessels, making them more susceptible to rupture or leakage, which may contribute to a vitreous haemorrhage.
Each of these causes highlights the importance of monitoring eye health and addressing underlying conditions to lower the risk of bleeding into the vitreous humour.
Recognising Vitreous Haemorrhage Symptoms
The symptoms of a vitreous haemorrhage can vary significantly depending on both the volume of blood present and the underlying cause.
Common symptoms of vitreous haemorrhage include: 
- Sudden Appearance of Floaters or Dark Spots: These may drift across the field of vision in the affected eye and are often more noticeable in bright light.
- Blurred or Hazy Visual Acuity: Fine details can become harder to distinguish, making tasks such as reading or recognising faces more challenging.
- Shadows or Streaks in Vision: Some describe these as ‘cobwebs’ or wispy lines moving with the eye’s motion, caused by blood cells suspended in the vitreous humour.
- Red or Dark Tinting of Vision: The presence of red blood cells in the vitreous humour can create a reddish or darker hue across part of the visual field.
- Significant Vision Loss in Severe Cases: When bleeding is substantial, visual acuity may be markedly reduced, potentially affecting everyday activities.
Recognising these symptoms early is important for identifying the underlying cause and ensuring timely assessment by an eye care professional. Even minor vision changes can provide valuable information about eye health and vascular stability within the retinal vessels.
Visual Impact and Recovery
The impact of vitreous haemorrhage on visual acuity varies. Some people may notice only transient floaters, while others may experience more substantial blurring.
Recovery depends on the underlying cause and whether further complications, such as retinal detachment or a retinal tear, are present. In some cases, changes in intraocular pressure affecting the trabecular meshwork may influence how the eye responds to bleeding.
Diagnosis and Eye Examination
A comprehensive eye examination is essential to assess vitreous haemorrhage. Ophthalmologists may use techniques such as slit-lamp examination, retinal imaging, and ultrasound if the affected eye is obscured.
Understanding the source of bleeding, whether from normal blood vessels, abnormal vessels, or trauma, is critical to determining an appropriate management plan.
Treatment Considerations
Treatment of vitreous haemorrhage focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve:
- Observation for minor bleeds that may resolve naturally.
- Surgery in cases where retinal detachment or persistent bleeding threatens visual acuity.
Managing contributing factors such as high blood pressure or diabetic retinopathy can also reduce the risk of recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between normal blood vessels and abnormal blood vessels in the retina?
Normal blood vessels maintain healthy blood flow, whereas abnormal or fragile new blood vessels are prone to leakage and rupture, increasing the risk of vitreous haemorrhage.
Can vitreous haemorrhage occur without symptoms?
Yes, mild haemorrhages may be subtle and only detectable during an eye examination.
Can vitreous haemorrhage affect depth perception?
Depending on the extent of the haemorrhage, temporary changes in visual acuity and perception may occur. These often improve as the blood clears or is treated.
Can vitreous haemorrhage be prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, controlling underlying conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, high blood pressure, or macular degeneration can reduce the likelihood of abnormal blood vessels forming and bleeding.
How quickly should I see an eye doctor if I notice symptoms?
Any sudden change in vision, new floaters, or dark streaks should prompt a consultation with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to assess for retinal tears or other complications.
Can vitreous haemorrhage recur?
Yes, recurrence is possible, especially if the underlying cause, such as abnormal vessels or diabetic retinopathy, is not managed effectively. Regular monitoring is recommended.
Conclusion
Recognising the symptoms of vitreous haemorrhage is an important step in maintaining eye health. By understanding the possible causes, including posterior vitreous detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion, you can take timely action with an eye care professional.
Regular eye examinations, prompt attention to changes in vision, and proactive management of contributing factors can support long-term ocular health.
If you notice any changes in your vision, such as floaters, shadows, or blurred sight, it’s important to seek guidance from an experienced eye care professional. Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause of a vitreous haemorrhage and ensure appropriate care for your eyes.
Contact Armadale Eye Clinic at (03) 9070 5753 to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Our team is here to provide personalised advice, monitor your retinal vessels, and support your long-term visual acuity with expert care.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Frysh, P. (2024, August 28). What Happens at Your Eye Exam? WebMD. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-eye-exam
Rees, M. (2022, November 8). Everything to Know About the Vitreous Humor. Medical News Today. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitreous-humor
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
Yetman, D. (2024, November 21). What Is a Vitreous Hemorrhage? Healthline. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/vitreous-hemorrhage
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