Question
Yesterday, I had a sudden red spot appear in the line of vision in my right eye. I red splotch... and it wouldnt go away. Today my dr by phone organised me to go to hospital and I saw the eye surgeon/specialist. He popped eye drops in my eyes and after a thorough examination explained that a tiny blood vessel infront of my retina had burst and released a little blood. He assured me that over the next couple of weeks it would fade and disappear. He ssid my vision was most likly to return to normal. Could offer no explanation for why it happened. I am 41 years old and am otherwise healthy. I was doing nothing streneous at the time and I do not have diabetes or high blood pressure. I want to know if this is likely to happen again? and he could see no reason why I had a sore eye. Suggested perhaps it was muscle ache from trying to focus on the spot so much. Can there be any other reason for it hurting? He was certain my eye looked healthy and normal other than this wee spot of blood. I am booked to have a dye injected into me and eyes rechecked for weak blood vessels.
Answer
Dear Peta,
You seem to be on the right track.
This bleed can happen in anyone, called retinal haemorrhage.
Yes, it is known to be of higher incidence in those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high myopia etc, but still can happen in anyone.
The dye injected could bean FFA test or Flurescein angiography to check where the bleed is and then stop it from spreading if necessary with help of a short simple laser procedure- Argon laser.
However, whether this laser is needed is determined by this dye test.
Meanwhile do not do any strenuous work, lifting weights, avoid jerks and jumping.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
