Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vompolu Kamakshi Bhaskar , Ophthalmologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Retinal cavernous hemangioma is a rare, usually benign vascular condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It consists of clusters of abnormally dilated blood vessels and is generally considered a congenital condition. Many people have no symptoms, but some may develop vision problems due to bleeding or other complications. Regular eye examinations can help monitor the condition and protect vision.

What Are the Types of Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma?

Retinal cavernous hemangioma may occur as a single isolated lesion or, less commonly, as multiple lesions. The condition can affect one or both eyes, although unilateral involvement is more common.

Solitary Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma: A single, well-defined cluster of dilated blood vessels develops in the retina.
Multiple Retinal Cavernous Hemangiomas: Several vascular lesions occur within the retina and may occasionally be associated with vascular abnormalities elsewhere in the body.
Unilateral Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma: The vascular lesion affects only one eye and represents the more common presentation.
Bilateral Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma: Lesions affect both eyes, although this presentation is uncommon.

What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma?

Many people with retinal cavernous hemangioma have no symptoms, and the condition may be discovered during a routine eye examination. When symptoms occur, they may result from the location of the lesion or complications such as bleeding into the vitreous gel of the eye.

Blurred Vision: Vision may become less clear if the lesion affects important areas of the retina.
Floaters: Small spots, lines, or cobweb-like shapes may appear in the field of vision.
Flashes of Light: Some individuals may notice sudden flashes or bursts of light.
Visual Field Changes: Missing, distorted, or blurred areas may develop within the field of vision.
Reduced Visual Acuity: Vision may decrease if bleeding or other complications affect the retina.

What Causes Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma?

The exact cause of retinal cavernous hemangioma is not fully understood. It is generally considered a congenital vascular malformation that develops because of abnormal formation of retinal blood vessels. Most cases occur without an identifiable cause.

Congenital Vascular Development: Abnormal development of retinal blood vessels may lead to the formation of cavernous vascular clusters.
Genetic Factors: Rare familial cases suggest that genetic changes may contribute to the condition in some individuals.
Associated Vascular Malformations: Some individuals may have similar vascular abnormalities in the brain or other parts of the nervous system.
Unknown Factors: In many cases, no specific underlying cause can be identified.

When Should You See a Doctor for Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma?

Medical evaluation is important when new floaters, blurred vision, flashes of light, visual field changes, or unexplained vision loss develops. An eye specialist can examine the retina, identify vascular abnormalities, assess complications, and determine whether monitoring or treatment is required.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Persistent blurred or distorted vision.
New or increasing floaters or flashes of light.
Changes in peripheral or central vision.

Get medical help immediately if:

You experience sudden or severe vision loss.
A large number of new floaters or flashes appears suddenly.
A dark curtain or shadow develops across your vision.

These could be signs of a serious eye complication that needs urgent medical care.

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How Is Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma Diagnosed?

Retinal cavernous hemangioma is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination and specialized retinal imaging. The characteristic appearance of clusters of dilated blood vessels often helps an eye specialist identify the condition.

Dilated Eye Examination: The retina is examined directly to identify abnormal clusters of blood vessels.
Ophthalmoscopy: An ophthalmoscope allows the eye specialist to examine the lesion and surrounding retina.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Detailed cross-sectional images help assess the retinal layers and the lesion's effect on nearby tissues.
Fluorescein Angiography: This test evaluates blood flow through the retinal vessels and helps characterize the vascular lesion.
Ultrasound Imaging: Eye ultrasound may be used when additional information about the lesion is required.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be considered when associated vascular abnormalities in the brain or nervous system are suspected.

How Is Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma Treated?

Treatment for retinal cavernous hemangioma depends on whether the lesion causes symptoms or complications. Most asymptomatic lesions remain stable and require only regular monitoring. Active treatment may be considered when bleeding or other vision-threatening complications occur.

Observation: Small, stable, and asymptomatic lesions are usually monitored with regular eye examinations.
Regular Retinal Imaging: Follow-up imaging can help detect changes in the size or appearance of the lesion.
Management of Vitreous Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the eye may require observation or further treatment depending on its severity and persistence.
Laser Treatment: Laser therapy may be considered in carefully selected cases, although it is not routinely required.
Surgery: Surgical treatment may be considered for severe complications, such as persistent vitreous hemorrhage that significantly affects vision.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma?

Retinal cavernous hemangioma is rare, and clearly established risk factors are limited. The condition is generally considered congenital and may occasionally occur in families or alongside vascular malformations elsewhere in the nervous system.

Genetic Predisposition: Rare familial cases suggest that inherited factors may increase susceptibility.
Family History: Having a close relative with cavernous vascular malformations may increase the likelihood of similar abnormalities.
Associated Vascular Malformations: Some individuals may have cavernous malformations affecting the brain or other parts of the nervous system.
Congenital Factors: Abnormal blood vessel development before birth is believed to play an important role.

What Are the Complications of Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma?

Most retinal cavernous hemangiomas remain stable and do not cause serious complications. However, some lesions may bleed or affect nearby retinal structures, potentially leading to vision problems.

Vitreous Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the gel-like substance inside the eye can cause sudden floaters or reduced vision.
Retinal Hemorrhage: Bleeding within or near the retina may affect visual function.
Vision Loss: Significant bleeding or involvement of important retinal areas can reduce vision.
Recurrent Bleeding: Some individuals may experience repeated episodes of hemorrhage.

Can Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma Be Prevented?

There is no known way to prevent retinal cavernous hemangioma because it is generally considered a congenital vascular condition. Regular eye examinations and timely evaluation of new visual symptoms can help identify complications early and protect vision.

Attend Regular Eye Examinations: Routine retinal evaluations can help monitor known lesions.
Report New Vision Changes: Seek medical evaluation for sudden floaters, flashes, blurred vision, or vision loss.
Follow Monitoring Recommendations: Attend scheduled appointments and retinal imaging tests recommended by your eye specialist.