Optic Disc Hemorrhage: Don’t Miss the Signal

Optic disc hemorrhage is a particular kind of internal bleeding within the delicate nerve tissues of the eye. It’s a very typical sign of glaucoma, although it can occur in other eye conditions as well.  

This is one of the important signs that your eye doctor will be looking for during an eye exam—both in those who’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma and in those with healthy eyes.

Optic Disc Hemorrhage FAQs

• What is optic disc hemorrhage?
• How is optic disc hemorrhage treated?
• Can I feel an optic disc hemorrhage, so I don’t miss the signal?

What is optic disc hemorrhage?

Optic disc hemorrhage usually happens at the very edge of the disc, in the fibers of the optic nerve. They are very small areas of leaky tissue, where blood and fluid exit and pool in the horizontal nerve fibers. This can only be seen through a detailed eye examination—there are no other outward symptoms.

Optic disc hemorrhage is very important. In a person with glaucoma, it’s definitive proof that there is active damage occurring and the condition is very likely to be progressing. However, while such hemorrhages are most usually connected to glaucoma, other conditions can also cause it.

These include:

• Posterior vitreous detachment.
• Diabetic eye disease.
• Hypertension.
• Eye trauma.
• Migraine.
• Certain medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners).

How is optic disc hemorrhage treated?

Optic disc hemorrhage isn’t usually treated directly. Instead, care involves managing the underlying condition. For those with glaucoma, this might include reassessing levels of medication or considering alternative options, such as surgery or laser treatment.

Can I feel an optic disc hemorrhage, so I don’t miss the signal?

No, you can’t feel an optic disc hemorrhage. It’s usually only spotted during an eye examination. However, it can be responsible for visual changes, such as increasing progression of vision loss.

The key thing to understand about optic disc hemorrhage is that, because it’s only usually picked up during a visit to the eye doctor, it’s vital to have regular checkups. This is just as relevant for those with healthy eyes as it is for those who’ve already had a diagnosis of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, or anything else.

Your ophthalmologist will be on high alert for signs of optic disc hemorrhage. “Don’t miss the signal” is almost a mantra among eye care professionals, because it can be notoriously hard to spot, yet a crucial sign that further intervention may be needed. The signs can only be seen manually—there are no automated tools that will highlight optic disc hemorrhage. 

There are a significant number of clinical studies that confirm these early signs are highly likely to be indicative of faster glaucoma progression. Therefore, spotting them and treating the condition at the earliest possible stage is key to stabilization. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, the sooner treatment is instigated, the better the outcome. Eye doctors may work in conjunction with your general health practitioner to address issues, such as hypertension, as well as prescribing other medications or surgical procedures that aim to directly stabilize the eye. 

WBEC Have the Expertise to Monitor Signs of Optic Disc Hemorrhage 

Spotting optic disc hemorrhage is a crucial ophthalmologic skill. Because there are currently no computerized imaging tools that can pick them up, it’s down to the skill of your eye doctor. The West Boca Eye Center is a world-leading facility, meaning we have some of the best doctors on the planet for diagnosing and treating every stage of glaucoma.

From spotting the very first signs of optic disc hemorrhage to cutting-edge glaucoma treatment, there’s no better place to entrust your precious eye health.

Discover more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/