Acute Persistent Visual Loss: Vitreous Hemorrhage
What causes it?
Bleeding from a retinal blood vessel in trauma, hypertension, diabetes, and blood dyscrasias fills the vitreous cavity. Vision becomes cloudy. There is no pain unless the intraocular pressure rises to very high levels. When the ophthalmoscope light is aimed through the pupil, there is no red reflection.
What to do?
Refer within 24 hours. Although there is no immediate treatment for a simple vitreous hemorrhage, there may be an underlying that needs prompt repair. Other causes, such as malignant hypertension, must also be considered.
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