[Vitreous body hemorrhage-How long can one wait?].

In the case of acute vitreous body hemorrhage, the ophthalmologist is faced with the question of whether spontaneous absorption can be awaited or whether a vitrectomy is necessary. In addition to the intensity of the bleeding, the underlying cause also plays an important role. A thorough medical history is therefore important. The most common causes in adults include posterior vitreous detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular occlusion. In children, retinal vasculitis, systemic diseases, and trauma (e.g. shaken baby syndrome) must be excluded. If there is no evidence of a retinal tear or detachment using ultrasound, it is usually possible to wait a few weeks under sonographic control to assess the spontaneous tendency to resorb. Overall, the trend is towards earlier surgical interventions due to improved vitrectomy techniques and the desire for early rehabilitation of vision.