What is Retinal Hemorrhage?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Priyanka (Gaikwad) Bhat , Ophthalmologist

Retinal hemorrhage means there is bleeding in or around the retina. It helps you see clearly. It works like film in a camera. It captures light and sends images to your brain. Turning light into signals for the brain. If blood leaks into this area, it can block light, blur, or damage vision.

The bleeding may be mild or severe. Some people don't notice it at first, while others have sudden and serious vision loss. If not treated quickly, permanent blindness may occur, especially when bleeding affects the central retina (macula).

What are the Symptoms of Retinal Hemorrhage?

Retinal hemorrhages often appear without warning or pain, which makes them easy to miss at first. Depending on where and how much bleeding occurs, you may notice changes in vision that range from mild blurriness to sudden vision loss.

Common symptoms include

Blurry or foggy vision
Sudden floaters or flashes of light
Distorted vision (straight lines may look wavy)
You may lose some or all vision in one eye.
A dark shadow may cover part of your sight.
It may be hard to see at night or in low light.

In some people, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure, vision changes may come on slowly. In others, especially after trauma, symptoms may happen suddenly.

What Causes Retinal Hemorrhage?

A retinal hemorrhage occurs when small blood vessels in the retina break. The blood then leaks into spaces in or near the retina, causing vision problems. This bleeding can result from health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, or from injuries, eye strain, or other medical issues.

Top causes include

Diabetes (Diabetic Retinopathy)

High blood sugar over time can hurt the small blood vessels in your retina. These vessels may get weak, start leaking, or grow the wrong way. This is a common cause of bleeding in the eyes in adults.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertensive Retinopathy)

Chronic high blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the eye to narrow, break, or leak, especially in older adults.

Eye Injuries or Head Trauma

Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause the retina to bleed, especially if there is strong force or pressure involved. In infants, a retinal hemorrhage may be a sign of shaken baby syndrome or birth trauma.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

When a retinal vein gets blocked, blood flow slows down or stops. This leads to swelling and bleeding in the retina.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

In older adults, abnormal blood vessels may grow under the macula. These vessels can rupture and bleed, affecting central vision.

Blood Clotting Disorders

People with clotting issues or those on blood thinners are more likely to have bleeding in the eyes.

High Intracranial Pressure

Conditions like brain tumors or severe head trauma can raise pressure inside the skull, which may lead to retinal bleeding.

Childbirth-Related Causes in Newborns

Pressure changes during delivery, especially in forceps or vacuum-assisted births, can cause small retinal bleeds. These often resolve on their own.

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What are the Types of Retinal Hemorrhages?

The location of the bleeding in the retina determines the type of hemorrhage. Each type can affect vision differently and may require specific treatment based on its depth and cause.

Pre-retinal hemorrhage: Blood collects between the retina and vitreous (jelly-like fluid in the eye). Appears as a red or boat-shaped pool.
Intraretinal hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs inside the layers of the retina.
Subretinal hemorrhage: Blood leaks between the retina and the layer underneath (choroid), often linked to AMD or trauma. Each type affects vision differently, and treatment is accordingly.

How is Retinal Hemorrhage Diagnosed?

Since retinal bleeding isn't always obvious, doctors use detailed eye exams and scans to detect it. These tests help find the source, the extent of the bleed, and any underlying conditions that may be involved.

Dilated Eye Exam

Eye drops widen the pupil to allow a better view of the retina. The doctor uses a light and lens to spot bleeding or abnormal blood vessels.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

This quick, painless scan shows cross-section images of the retina. It helps locate bleeding and check for swelling or retinal damage.

Fluorescein Angiography

A yellow dye is injected into your arm. As it flows through the eye's vessels, a special camera tracks where leaks or blockages occur.

Blood Tests

These help rule out conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, clotting problems, or infections.

Imaging for Brain or Skull Injuries

If a hemorrhage is linked to trauma, especially in infants, a CT scan or MRI may be done to look for related injuries.

What are the Treatment options for Retinal Hemorrhage?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the bleed. While some cases resolve on their own, others may require medications, laser therapy, or surgery to restore vision and prevent long-term damage.

For Mild Cases

No treatment may be needed. The body can absorb small bleeds on its own.
You'll need regular follow-ups to monitor healing and check for new bleeding.

Medical Management

Control blood sugar and high blood pressure if diabetes or hypertension is involved.
Stop or adjust blood-thinning medications if they're contributing to the bleeding.
Treat infections or inflammation with antibiotics or steroid drops if needed.

Laser and Injections

Laser photocoagulation seals leaking blood vessels. Anti-VEGF injections reduce swelling and stop abnormal vessels from growing.
These are common treatments for diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.

Surgery (Vitrectomy)

For large or stubborn hemorrhages that affect vision.
The surgeon removes the blood-filled vitreous and replaces it with clear fluid.
Helps restore vision and prevent retinal detachment.

When to See a Doctor?

Many people don't feel pain when a retinal hemorrhage happens. That's why it's important to watch for changes in your vision. Even small signs can point to serious problems inside the eye. If bleeding is not treated early, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

If you notice any of the symptoms below, see an eye doctor right away

Blurred vision that comes on suddenly or does not improve
Floaters (dark spots or shapes that move across your vision)
Flashes of light, especially in the corners of your eyes
A dark curtain or shadow moving over part of your sight
Partial vision in one eye
Eye injury from a fall, accident, or sports hit
Sudden vision changes without a clear reason

If anyone has health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood disorders, regular eye checkups are also important even if your eyes feel fine. These conditions can cause slow damage without early symptoms.

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Recovery and Outlook

Many people recover fully from a retinal hemorrhage, especially if treated early. However, the outcome depends on the amount of bleeding, the location, and how well the underlying cause is managed.

The outcome depends on

How early the problem is treated
Where the bleeding occurs
Whether the retina itself is damaged

With prompt treatment, vision can often return to normal or near normal. However, if bleeding recurs or if the retina is scarred or detached, vision loss may be permanent.

People with diabetes or AMD may need lifelong eye care, including regular injections or laser treatments to prevent future damage.

What are the Prevention Tips for Retinal Hemorrhage?

While not all retinal bleeds can be avoided, you can lower your risk by managing chronic health conditions and protecting your eyes. Regular checkups and healthy habits go a long way in preserving your vision.

Monitor and control blood pressure and blood sugar
Get regular eye exams, especially if you have diabetes or are over 50
Use protective eyewear during sports or hazardous work
Avoid smoking, which weakens blood vessels
Handle infants gently, especially newborns
Early detection is the best defence against vision loss.

What is Retinal Hemorrhage in Babies and Children?

In infants, retinal hemorrhage is often discovered during a routine newborn eye check. Most cases are harmless and go away without treatment. However, in rare cases, it may signal non-accidental trauma (abuse). Doctors will investigate carefully to ensure the child's safety.

In older children, causes may include accidents, blood disorders, or inherited conditions. Pediatric eye specialists at Medicover can diagnose and treat these cases with care.

Retinal Hemorrhage and Sports

High-impact sports like boxing, martial arts, or weightlifting can raise eye pressure or cause blunt trauma, increasing the risk of retinal bleeding. Wearing protective eyewear and learning safe techniques can help prevent injury.

Our Expert Care for Retinal Hemorrhage

At Medicover Hospitals, we offer complete care for retinal hemorrhage from quick diagnosis to advanced treatment. Our eye specialists use the latest tools like OCT, angiography, and vitrectomy to manage even the most complex cases.

We also work with specialists in diabetes, cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics to treat the underlying cause and prevent it from returning.

Whether you need a simple eye exam or urgent laser therapy, our goal is to protect your vision and support your eye health.

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