Optic Nerve Head Hemorrhages Associated With Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Vitreoretinal Interface

Background:

• Spontaneous posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) can be associated with optic nerve hemorrhages (ONH).
• Understanding the relationship between PVD and ONH is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and analyze the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of optic nerve hemorrhages (ONH) occurring with spontaneous posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

Main Methods:

• A prospective case series was conducted.
• Patients with PVD and ONH underwent digital retinal photography and OCT imaging.
• Hemorrhage details and patient data were recorded.

Main Results:

• Twenty out of 30 eyes with ONH exhibited persistent vitreopapillary adhesion.
• Three adhesion patterns were observed: central, peripheral, and combined.
• Fifty-two hemorrhages were identified, predominantly flame-shaped, with some dot and blot types; one subretinal hemorrhage was noted.

Conclusions:

• Optic nerve hemorrhages associated with PVD frequently present with persistent vitreopapillary adhesions, detectable by OCT.
• Clinical presentation and OCT imaging can help differentiate PVD-associated ONH from other optic nerve hemorrhages.