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Vitreous haemorrhage in children
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. gabriela.wirth@usz.ch
Insights
Vitreous hemorrhage in young children, often caused by trauma, can resolve quickly. Observation may be suitable, with early amblyopia treatment ensuring good visual outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Vitreous hemorrhage in early childhood is uncommon and may present with subtle symptoms.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for managing potential vision loss.
Observation:
- Three children (1, 2, and 6 years old) without a history of trauma presented with squint or unreactive pupils.
- All three children were diagnosed with unilateral dense vitreous hemorrhage.
Findings:
- Two children experienced rapid clearing of vitreous opacities within weeks, avoiding surgery.
- Investigations revealed signs of ocular trauma (angle recession, RPE scars, orbital fracture) in all cases.
- The 6-year-old underwent vitrectomy; all patients received early amblyopia treatment with good visual outcomes.
Implications:
- Ocular trauma is a probable cause of vitreous hemorrhage in young children.
- Observation can be a viable management strategy due to rapid vitreous resorption in children.
- Prompt amblyopia treatment is essential for favorable visual prognoses.
Background:
Vitreous haemorrhage in early childhood is rare and may cause few symptoms.
History And Signs:
Three children (aged 1, 2 and 6 years) with no history of trauma, presented with squint or unreactive pupil. Unilateral dense vitreous haemorrhage was found in all three children.
Therapy And Outcome:
Rapid clearing of the vitreous opacities within a few weeks made surgical intervention unnecessary in two children. A 6-year-old boy underwent a vitrectomy. Thorough investigations revealed angle recession, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) scars and an orbital floor bone fracture, respectively, suggesting ocular trauma as the cause for the haemorrhage in all three cases. With early amblyopia treatment, the visual outcome was good.
Conclusion:
Trauma appears to be a likely cause for vitreous haemorrhage in small children. Even if there is a risk for the development of amblyopia, observation may be a reasonable approach in some cases, since even dense vitreous haemorrhage may resorb rapidly in young children.
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