What Is Retinal Hemorrhage?
Retinal hemorrhage is a condition with bleeding in the retinal vessels. Bleeding in the retinal vessels can occur when the retina's tiny blood vessels get damaged due to injury or disease. This condition can be caused due to systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It may also be caused due to an injury and sudden increase in intraocular (eye) pressure. The retina is a sensory membrane of the eye. It is present at the back of the eyes. The light that enters the eye falls on the retina. The light is carried to the brain through this retina and interpreted as an image. The retina contains nerve bundles and blood vessels. The nerves carry the sensory signals to the brain. The retina contains light-sensitive cells called rods and cones that interpret incoming light as images.
What Are the Types of Retinal Hemorrhage?
The types of retinal hemorrhage depend on the structures affected. The retinal hemorrhage may be classified based on the location, cause, and origin of the hemorrhage. The types of retinal hemorrhage may include:
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Flame-Shaped Hemorrhage: Flame hemorrhages are named due to the shape of the hemorrhage. It resembles the shape of a feather or flame. This type of hemorrhage can be caused due to hypertension, anemia, or other blood disorders. Any damage to the retinal artery can lead to this type of hemorrhage.
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Vitreous and Preretinal Hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage in which the retinal hemorrhage diffuses to the vitreous membrane. When the blood diffuses through the vitreous membrane, it settles down in this layer. This type of hemorrhage can be caused due to new blood vessel growth in the eyes. This may be caused due to conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, or other blood disorders. Sometimes these conditions can also be caused without any underlying causes.
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Blot Hemorrhages: This type of hemorrhage occurs in deeper layers of the eyes. It forms a uniform blot on the eyes. This condition may be caused due to diabetes, rare blood disorders, and other rare conditions.
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Roth Spots: This type of hemorrhage presents a white spot in the center of the hemorrhage. This may be caused due to underlying disorders such as diabetes, leukemia, endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layers of the heart), and hypertension.
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Other Conditions: The other type of hemorrhage may be caused due to various underlying conditions.
What Are the Causes of Retinal Hemorrhage?
The following may be the causes of retinal hemorrhage;
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Systemic medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and infections.
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Blood disorders such as anemia, leukemia, and lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition of the skin).
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Conditions of the eye such as macular degeneration and other age-related conditions.
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Head injuries may be caused due to accidents or falls.
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A change in eye pressure due to activities such as scuba diving, sudden change in altitude, and decreased oxygen levels.
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Retinal bleeding may also be caused due to medications such as Aspirin that act as blood thinners.
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It may also be caused due to sudden activities such as rigorous physical work, severe cough, vomiting, and sexual activities.
What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Hemorrhage?
The retina is very crucial for vision. Any small injury can cause disturbances or changes in vision. It may be associated with disturbances or changes in vision, such as blurring of vision or blind spots. This condition can affect one or both eyes. If the retinal hemorrhage progresses to the vitreous media, it is known as vitreous hemorrhage. If the hemorrhage is smaller, it may or may not have any symptoms. If the hemorrhage is bigger, it may have symptoms such as:
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Floaters: There may be floaters in the vision. It may be seen as spots in the vision due to the eye hemorrhage.
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Obstruction in Vision: There may be an obstruction in vision following the hemorrhage of the eyes. This may be seen as cobwebs, lines, or streaks.
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Blurring of Vision: There may be blurred vision associated with retinal hemorrhage.
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Red Tint: There may be a red tint associated with retinal hemorrhage. The gradient of tint may be dependent on the amount of hemorrhage.
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Disturbance in Morning Vision: There may be disturbances in morning vision. This may be caused due to obstruction of vision due to clots.
How to Diagnose Retinal Hemorrhage?
Eye specialists know all about the various kinds of retinal drains. An enlarged eye test utilizing an instrument called a cut light can uncover a retinal discharge. An eye specialist can likewise utilize exceptional devices to snap a photo within the eye. Sometimes, a color will be infused into a vein in the wrist or arm. The color will stream into the retina's veins, permitting the specialist to take an exceptionally clear picture. An imaging procedure called OCT likewise helps eye specialists better see the retinal drain. The eye specialist will take an intensive history, getting information about the injury, prescription, blazes or floaters, and exercises, such as scuba jumping or high-elevation climbing. They will likewise get some information about any illnesses or hidden conditions one may have. They may likewise need to have an expert request blood tests or other indicative methodology to check whether the patient has a basic disease, for example, diabetes, hypertension, contamination, or vein problems, that might have caused the retinal discharge. To direct treatment, the eye specialist must work with your essential consideration specialist or your expert.
How Is Retinal Hemorrhage Treated?
Treatment of retinal drain relies upon the seriousness and the reason. At times, the drain is little and can be checked while it mends on its own over weeks or months. In different cases, hidden conditions should be blessed to assist the patient with recuperating. The treatment of retinal hemorrhage depends upon the degree and cause. At times, if the hemorrhage is small, it can just be monitored as it disappears on its own. This might take weeks or months if it is preretinal. Hidden conditions should be assessed and treated to enable the patient to recover at the earliest. In diabetic retinopathy or other conditions causing new blood vessel proliferation, laser treatment can be beneficial to prevent further recurrences.
Conclusion
Retinal Hemorrhage is a condition of the eye that can be caused due to various factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and other blood disorders. It can also be caused due to accidents or rigorous physical activity. It may or may not present with symptoms. Sometimes the hemorrhage can be really small and develop later. The retina is a sensitive part of the eye, and symptoms may quickly show. Hence one should consult a doctor as soon as one may develop symptoms of visual disturbances.
