Vitreous haemorrhage is the term used to describe bleeding inside the eye, which blocks light from being transmitted to the retina. This results in shadows blocking vision and in severe cases complete loss of vision.

In order to understand the effect vitreous haemorrhage has on vision it is helpful to understand how the eye works. The eye can be compared to a camera. The pupil of the eye is like the aperture of a camera, regulating the amount of light entering the eye. Light passes through the cornea, pupil, lens and vitreous and is focussed on the retina.

The retina is the light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the inner wall of the eye, like the film in a camera. Rays of light enter the eye, passing through the cornea, pupil and lens before focusing on to the retina. The retina contains photoreceptors which convert light into electrical impulses. In the healthy eye these impulses are sent via the optic nerve to the brain, where sight is interpreted as clear, bright images.

Have you ever suddenly noticed dark spots, floaters, or cloudy vision that just won’t go away? These could be signs of a condition called vitreous haemorrhage—a condition where bleeding occurs inside your eye, specifically in the gel-like substance called the vitreous. When this happens, it can block light from reaching the retina, making your vision blurry, shadowy, or in more serious cases, completely blacked out.
One of the common causes? Conditions like diabetes can affect the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as diabetic vitreous haemorrhage.

So, how does it affect your vision?

Think of your eye like a camera. The pupil works like a lens opening, allowing light to enter. This light travels through the cornea, lens, and vitreous before hitting the retina—the part of your eye that functions like film in a camera. It captures what you see and sends that information to your brain.

When there’s bleeding in the vitreous, this entire process is disrupted. The light can’t reach the retina properly, and your brain struggles to interpret what your eye sees—resulting in hazy, shadowy, or blocked vision.

Common Symptoms of Vitreous Haemorrhage

The symptoms can vary, but people usually notice:

The sudden appearance of black or dark floaters
A shower of red or brown spots
Cloudy or blurred vision
In severe cases, a sudden loss of vision

These floaters might move as your eye moves and can be quite alarming if they appear suddenly.

What are the causes of Vitreous Haemorrhage?

Normally, the vitreous inside your eye is clear and free from blood. But certain conditions can cause blood vessels in or near the retina to leak into the vitreous, such as:

Retinal Tear: As we age, the vitreous can shrink and pull away from the retina (a condition called posterior vitreous detachment). Sometimes, it tugs hard enough to cause a retinal tear, leading to bleeding.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Long-term diabetes can cause fragile, abnormal blood vessels to grow on the retina, which are prone to bleeding.
Retinal Vein Occlusion: When a retinal vein gets blocked, it can trigger new, weak vessels to grow and bleed—similar to what happens in diabetic eye disease.
Wet Macular Degeneration: Although less common, bleeding can also occur as a complication of this age-related eye condition.

If you suddenly notice changes in your vision, it’s important not to wait—see an eye specialist right away to pinpoint the cause.

How is Vitreous Haemorrhage Treated?

In mild cases, your doctor might simply monitor your eye to see if the blood clears on its own—which can happen over a few weeks. If the bleeding is due to a known condition like diabetes or vein occlusion, targeted treatments such as intravitreal injections may be used to manage the cause.

If the bleeding is severe or blocks the view of your retina, your doctor may recommend a vitrectomy—a delicate surgical procedure where the blood is removed, and any underlying issues like retinal tears are treated.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs – Talk to Bright Sight

If you’re seeing sudden floaters, dark spots, or blurred patches in your vision, don’t brush it off. These could be early signs of retinal bleeding or diabetic eye complications. At Bright Sight, our experienced team of eye doctors is here to help with expert diagnosis and advanced treatments to protect your sight.

Your vision matters—book a consultation with Bright Sight today and take a step towards clearer, healthier eyes.