From the Guidelines
The medical term for hemorrhage in the vitreous of the eye in diabetes is vitreous hemorrhage, a complication of diabetic retinopathy, specifically proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This condition develops when chronically high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the eye. According to the most recent guidelines, management includes tight blood glucose control, blood pressure control, and regular eye examinations 1. Key aspects of management include:
- Tight blood glucose control, maintaining HbA1c below 7%
- Blood pressure control, targeting below 130/80 mmHg
- Regular eye examinations, with the frequency determined by the degree of retinopathy present Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy and its complications, such as vitreous hemorrhage, include:
- Laser photocoagulation to seal leaking vessels
- Anti-VEGF injections, like ranibizumab, to reduce abnormal vessel growth
- Vitrectomy surgery for severe cases, such as non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment Early detection through annual dilated eye exams is crucial, as early-stage retinopathy often has no symptoms, and prompt referral to an ophthalmologist is recommended if any level of diabetic retinopathy is detected 1.
From the Research
Definition and Causes
- The medical term for hemorrhage in the vitreous (vitreous humor) of the eye in diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is vitreous hemorrhage, which is associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Vitreous hemorrhage can occur due to various causes, including disruption of abnormal vessels, normal vessels, and extension of blood from an adjacent source 2.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of vitreous hemorrhage, and the condition can lead to severe vision loss in diabetic patients 3, 4, 5, 6.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of vitreous hemorrhage requires a thorough history taking and clinical examination, including investigations such as ultra-sonography 2.
- Treatment options for vitreous hemorrhage include observation, laser photo-coagulation, cryotherapy, intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, and surgery 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Pars plana vitrectomy remains the cornerstone of management for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage, especially in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy 2, 4, 5.
Complications and Risk Factors
- Complications of vitreous hemorrhage include glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and hemosiderosis bulbi 2.
- Risk factors for vitreous hemorrhage in diabetic patients include early onset and long duration of disease, lack of previous panretinal photocoagulation, and severity of fibrovascular proliferation 5, 6.