Newport Beach Retinal Hemorrhage 
When you’re having eye problems with your retina, a Newport Beach, California retinal hemorrhage doctor at the Retina Associates of Orange County can help. For an immediate appointment, please call our office today.
Understanding the Vitreous
Nearly two-thirds of the eye’s volume is made up of a gelatin-like substance known as vitreous. The vitreous is between the lens, in front of the eye, and the retina which is in the back of the eye. When the vitreous is healthy and in tack, there are no blood vessels. However, certain medical conditions, like diabetic retinopathy, can cause new blood vessels to develop and grow into the vitreous gel. Blood vessels in this area are typically very fragile and prone to leaking fluid and blood.
Retinal Hemorrhage
Retinal hemorrhages may also be referred to as a vitreous hemorrhage. This occurs when these small blood vessels rupture. Bleeding in and around the retina or vitreous gel can lead to visual distortion and other impairments. There are several causes of retinal hemorrhages, such as:
- Systemic hypoxia
- Abusive head trauma
- Hypertension
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Anemia
- Leukemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Retinal detachment
- Tumor
- Nearsightedness
- Carotid artery disease
- Choroidal neovascularization
- Ocular ischemic syndrome
- Posterior vitreous detachment
If you believe you’re experiencing a retinal hemorrhage, you should not delay in scheduling an appointment with a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage doctor from the Retina Associates of Orange County.
Symptoms of a Retinal Hemorrhage
The early symptoms of a retinal hemorrhage may not always be obvious. If the hemorrhage took place outside of the macula, the hemorrhage could go undiagnosed for several years. In this case, identifying the hemorrhage may only be possible through special tests such as ophthalmoscopy or a dilated fundus exam. In a majority of cases, however, the retinal hemorrhage will cause immediate impaired vision. Often at least one of the following symptoms are noticed:
- A sudden increase of floaters in your vision
- Partial or full vision loss
- Hazy vision
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Abrupt flashes of light
- Seeing “cobwebs” in your vision
- Red-like tint to your vision
If you notice any similar symptoms it is important you get medical attention. Ideally, you should consult a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosing and Treating Retinal Hemorrhages
During your appointment with a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage eye doctor, your medical history will be reviewed followed by an examination of your eyes. To confirm a retinal hemorrhage has occurred, various tests may be performed. Some of these tests may include:
- Dilated eye exam
- Visual acuity exam
- Gonioscopy
- Slit-lamp exam
- Eye ultrasound
- Intraocular pressure exam
- B-scan
- IOP exam
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy
If you are diagnosed with retinal hemorrhage and a retinal detachment or retinal tear, your eye doctor may perform a vitrectomy. Otherwise, treatment for the retinal hemorrhage will largely be based upon the underlying cause or condition. The Retina Associates of Orange County may recommend treatments such as:
- Cryotherapy
- Laser photocoagulation
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs
- Natural supplements include certain vitamins and Omega-3’s
- Intravitreal injections
- Medicated eye drops
- Observation
Retinal hemorrhages can be treated, and in some cases, a doctor will implement an observation period of 2-3 months before prescribing any further treatment. However, any symptoms of a retinal hemorrhage should not be left ignored altogether, especially if there are persisting complications.
If you would like to speak with a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage doctor from the Retina Associates of Orange County, please call our office today.