Retinal Bleeding
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Retinal bleeding (also called retinal hemorrhage) occurs when blood vessels in the retina - the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye - leak or rupture. This can lead to vision problems like floaters, blurred vision, or even severe vision loss if untreated. It's often a sign of an underlying issue rather than a standalone condition.
Common causes include:
Trauma or injury:
A blow to the head or eye (from accidents, falls, sports, assaults, or even birth trauma in newborns) is one of the most frequent causes, especially in younger people. Sudden pressure changes (e.g., from heavy lifting, straining, violent coughing, vomiting, or valsalva maneuvers) can also rupture blood vessels in the eye.
Diabetic retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy):
In people with diabetes (especially long-standing or poorly controlled), retinal blood vessels may be weak and leak, causing bleeding at the retina. This is one of the leading causes of retinal bleeding in adults.
High blood pressure (hypertensive retinopathy):
Chronic or severe hypertension damages vessel walls, making them prone to rupture and bleeding.
Retinal vein occlusion (blockage of a retinal vein):
This causes backup pressure and leakage/hemorrhage in the affected area, due to blood not being able to be carried out of the eye by the veins.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD):
In advanced "wet" AMD, abnormal new blood vessels can grow (neovascularisation) and eventually bleed into the retina. Read more about AMD here.
Blood disorders:
Conditions like anemia, leukemia, sickle cell disease, clotting disorders, or hyperviscosity syndromes can lead to retinal bleeding.
Other eye conditions:
Posterior vitreous detachment leading to retinal tears, retinal detachment, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, or ocular ischemic syndrome. Read more about retinal tears here.
Less common causes:
Less common causes include infections, inflammatory diseases (e.g. lupus), high altitude exposure (hypoxia), certain medications (e.g., blood thinners), or rare syndromes like Terson's syndrome (associated with brain hemorrhage).
Conclusion
If you experience sudden vision changes, floaters, flashes, or a dark curtain or blockage in your vision, seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist (ophthalmologist), as some causes require urgent treatment to prevent permanent damage and vision loss.
Diagnosis often involves a dilated eye exam, and treatment depends on the underlying cause (e.g., managing diabetes/blood pressure, laser therapy, injections, or surgery).
