Preretinal Hemorrhage

Fundus photograph and fluorescein angiogram of preretinal hemorrhage.

Clinical Features

  • Occur either in the level of subhyaloid space between posterior vitreous face and retina or under internal limiting membrane.
  • Localized vitreous gel detachment may occur.
  • Horizontal blood level or boat-shaped hemorrhage is usually apparent, which obscures the underlying retina.
  • Fluorescein angiography demonstrates blockage of underlying details in areas of hemorrhages.
  • Underlying causes include retinal tear, bleeding from neovascularization, rupture of the internal limiting membrane, hypertensive retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, and vascular occlusion.
Preretinal (Subhyaloid) hemorrhages in a patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.