Vitreous Haemorrhage and Vitreous Opacity (Floaters)

Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. It is usually performed as a day operation.
Depending on the cause of the vitreous haemorrhage, surgery usually involves vitrectomy and possibly a combination of laser or gas injection.
Vitrectomy involves the usage of micro-instruments through the white part of the eye (sclera) to remove the vitreous gel.

Vitreous haemorrhage is bleeding into the vitreous cavity of the eye.
The blood in the vitreous cavity scatters light and obscures light from being focused onto the retina.
Symptoms can include floaters, shadows, blurry vision and loss of vision.
There are many causes of vitreous haemorrhage. The most common causes include:
- Posterior vitreous detachment with or without a retinal tear
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal vein occlusions – Trauma
The management of vitreous haemorrhage involves accurately identifying and treating the underlying cause, and in some cases surgical removal of the blood via a vitrectomy operation.

New onset of floaters may be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment and should be assessed urgently to avoid further loss of vision. Please make an appointment with Dr. Sia to have this looked at.
Long-standing floaters is usually caused by ageing of the vitreous gel. It may also be caused by previous vitreous haemorrhage, inflammation or trauma.
Long-standing floaters are usually benign and does not require treatment. However, some patients may experience troubling symptoms due to these floaters.
In these circumstances, floaters can be removed surgically with a vitrectomy operation.
Please make an appointment to see Dr. Sia for further discussion about your floaters.