They alarm the patient but are of no pathologic significance except when associated with blood dyscrasia, which is rare. They occur as gross extravasations of blood beneath the conjunctiva and are absorbed spontaneously, usually within 2 wk. Vitreous hemorrhages, extravasations of blood into the vitreous, produce a black reflex on ophthalmoscopy. They may occur in such conditions as retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal neovascularization, retinal tears, or ocular trauma. In the latter five conditions, retinal detachment may ensue.
Vitreous hemorrhages tend to absorb slowly.
Localized bleeding from retinal vessels can usually be controlled by photocoagulation. Periodic evaluation of vascular retinopathies by an ophthalmologist is important, particularly in diabetes mellitus. Retinal hemorrhages are always significant, reflecting vascular disease that usually is systemic. Floaters are usually most noticeable against a white homogeneous background and seem to move slowly when the eye is still. Floaters maintain their relative position in the visual field with eye movement.