Nondiabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage: A Review of Management Strategy and Outcomes.

Abstract

Vitreous hemorrhage involves blood leakage into or around the vitreous cavity, which presents complex management decisions. Treatment options for nondiabetic vitreous hemorrhage (NDVH) traditionally include observation or early vitrectomy. Traditional guidelines have long emphasized an initial period of cautious observation. This systematic review shows that a significant portion (∼62% to 75%) of NDVH patients present a retinal tear and/or detachment upon initial presentation. B-scan ultrasonography, the primary diagnostic tool, exhibits variable sensitivities and may miss approximately half (46.4%) of underlying tears or detachments. Only 25% of observed NDVH cases clear spontaneously, while the remaining will ultimately require vitrectomy due to nonclearance (45%) or sight-threatening complications (30%). Patients under observation experience visual deficits as hemorrhage clears slowly, challenging the efficacy of traditional guidelines favoring observation. While there is no clear guideline concerning the management of NDVH, our findings suggest that early vitrectomy for severe NDVH may be the safest and most appropriate approach, provided the patient accepts procedural risks like cataract development. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:660-667.].