How To Stop Retinal Hemorrhage (Retinal Bleeding)

Do you notice sudden vision changes, dark spots, or blurriness? It could be a retinal hemorrhage—a condition where blood leaks into the retina due to damaged blood vessels. If left untreated, it can affect your vision and, in severe cases, lead to permanent blindness.

But don’t panic! Retinal hemorrhage can be managed and treated effectively with the right approach. In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What causes retinal hemorrhage and its early symptoms
• Treatment options, from medications to surgery
• Lifestyle changes to support recovery and prevent future damage

If you’re experiencing unusual vision problems, keep reading to learn how to protect your eyesight and when to seek medical help.

What Causes Retinal Hemorrhage?

Here are the most common causes:

• An uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes (Diabetic Retinopathy)
• A direct hit to the eye, head trauma, or sudden pressure changes (like heavy lifting) can damage blood vessels in the retina, causing them to bleed.
• Blood Clotting Disorders like anemia, and leukemia.
• Aging & Weak retinal blood vessels
• Blocked veins in the eye
• Excessive coughing, vomiting, sneezing, or lifting heavy weights can cause a sudden rise in eye pressure, leading to temporary bleeding in the retina.

A retinal hemorrhage can occur due to various underlying conditions, and early diagnosis is key. If you experience blurred vision, dark spots, or sudden vision loss, consult an eye specialist immediately.

How is Retinal Hemorrhage Diagnosed?

1. Dilated Eye Exam

• Special eye drops are used to widen (dilate) your pupils.
• The doctor examines the retina and blood vessels for any bleeding, swelling, or abnormalities.

2. OCT Scan (Optical Coherence Tomography)

• A non-invasive imaging test that creates a detailed cross-section of the retina.
• Helps detect fluid buildup, retinal swelling, or damage in different retinal layers.

3. Fluorescein Angiography

• A dye is injected into a vein (usually in your arm), and special photographs of the retina are taken.
• This test helps identify leaking blood vessels, blockages, or abnormal growth in the retina.

How Do You Treat a Retinal Hemorrhage?

The treatment for retinal hemorrhage depends on the severity of the bleeding and the underlying cause. In some cases, minor bleeding may resolve on its own, while severe cases require medical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Take Control of the Underlying Conditions (First Step in Treatment)

Many retinal hemorrhages occur due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or clotting disorders. Managing these conditions helps prevent further damage to the retina.

• Keep blood sugar levels under control (for diabetic patients)
• Manage blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake to protect eye health

Anti-VEGF Injections (To Stop Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth)

If the hemorrhage is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth (common in diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration), doctors may recommend Anti-VEGF injections, such as:

• Accentrix (Ranibizumab)
• Eylea (Aflibercept)

These injections help stop further leakage and reduce swelling, improving vision over time.

Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation)

If bleeding is caused by damaged or leaking blood vessels, laser treatment may be used.

• A laser beam seals the leaking blood vessels, preventing further bleeding.
•  Commonly used in diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion cases.

Vitrectomy (Surgical Removal of Blood in Severe Cases)

For severe retinal hemorrhages, where blood does not clear on its own, a vitrectomy is performed.

• The surgeon removes the blood-filled vitreous gel inside the eye.
•  This prevents scarring and improves vision.
• Recommended when vision loss is severe or the hemorrhage blocks light from reaching the retina.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the hemorrhage. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better your chances of preventing long-term vision damage. If you notice sudden vision changes, floaters, or blurriness, consult an eye specialist immediately!

Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes to Support Recovery

While medical treatment is necessary for retinal hemorrhage, adopting healthy habits can support recovery and prevent further damage to your eyesight. Here are some important lifestyle changes to follow:

• Eat an Eye-Healthy Diet – Include foods rich in vitamin A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish help strengthen blood vessels and improve eye health.

• Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure – If you have diabetes or hypertension, keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure under control is crucial to prevent further retinal bleeding. Regular monitoring and prescribed medications can help.

• Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps maintain good circulation, keeping the retina nourished and preventing further complications.

• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol – Smoking weakens blood vessels and increases the risk of retinal damage. Alcohol can also impact blood circulation, making it harder for your eyes to heal.

• Take Medications as Prescribed – If your doctor has prescribed blood pressure or diabetes medication, take them regularly to avoid worsening retinal issues.

• Protect Your Eyes from Strain – Avoid excessive screen time and take breaks while working on computers to reduce eye stress. Use protective eyewear if working in environments with dust or debris.

• Get Regular Eye Checkups – Routine eye exams help detect early signs of retinal issues, allowing for timely treatment before complications arise.

Following these simple lifestyle changes can aid recovery and prevent future retinal problems. If you have a history of retinal conditions, make sure to prioritize your eye health and regular medical checkups.

Can Retinal Hemorrhage Cause Permanent Vision Loss?

A retinal hemorrhage can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated, but early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent long-term damage.

Acting quickly at the first sign of retinal hemorrhage gives you the best chance of protecting your eyesight. If you experience blurred vision, floaters, or dark spots, consult an eye specialist immediately.