The vitreous is a gel like structure that fills the back of the eye. When blood enters the vitreous, it is known as a vitreous hemorrhage. As a result, vision blurriness or the presence of dark patches or floaters are seen as light rays are unable to fall on the retina. The retina is the thin layer of “film” that lines the back of the eye if the eye were a camera. It gathers visual data from the front of the eye and transmits it to the brain.
At times, a color stripe that steadily rises or falls before spreading to fill the eye may indicate a vitreous hemorrhage. Eyesight can be entirely obscured if the bleeding is really dense. In that situation one will only be able to see light and black.
Vitreous hemorrhage is caused by the rupture and leakage of tiny blood vessels in the eye. The rupture of blood vessels can be due the growth of abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization). This is usually a result of other eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. These new vessels are fragile and break easily. Moreover, a torn or detached retina can be associated with broken blood vessels in the eye. Trauma to the eye can also cause injury to the blood vessels resulting in a vitreous hemorrhage.
Typically, a vitreous hemorrhage does not require medical treatment. Vision should return once the blood has naturally stopped flowing. Regrettably, this could take several months. However, it is imperative that an ophthalmologist keeps a close observation for any further progression warranting timely intervention. Also, it is extremely important that the cause of the vitreous hemorrhage or the bleeding within the cavity of the eye is identified. This is often done by using a combination of an expert eye exam as well as using sophisticated means of diagnosis such as OCT or a fluorescein angiogram as and when the situation warrants or permits.
Vitrectomy surgery may be considered if the condition is more serious or does not improve as anticipated. In Vitrectomy the vitreous is removed, and a saltwater solution that resembles the fluids in the eye is put in its place.
At The Eye Center, Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner. Our clinic is geared to providing you with the best possible patient care experience and delivering to you the very best eye care in Karachi.
If you need an appointment, please contact us at 03041119544 during our working hours or leave us a WhatsApp message at +923028291799 and someone will connect with you. Walk-in appointments are also available for emergencies. We can also be reached through our web portal on www.surgicaleyecenter.org