Ask a doctor on the topic of Ophthalmology

Retinopathy

April 2, 2017 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Nadja Struß

Hello. I contacted you a few days ago regarding bleeding in the vitreous body due to diabetic retinopathy. I have had a lot of laser treatment. The doctor says that's why the retina cannot detach easily.
I have a few more questions. You mentioned that vision should be worst in the morning. I sleep with my head elevated high, and my vision is actually best in the morning, around 50-70%. The longer I stay awake and work, the more my vision deteriorates, and by the evening, my vision is usually around 10%.
Is this normal? Or does it always keep bleeding? I can't go to the doctor every day. It has been 2 weeks since it happened, and I haven't seen any improvement. If anything, it's getting worse. When it happened, I had 60% vision at the doctor's office around 27 h.
Is it normal for vision to fluctuate throughout the day like this? How can I tell if it's bleeding again? I see dots, streaks, and points spreading. Could it get worse in the sun?
Sorry for all the questions, but none of the doctors, not even in the clinic, take the time to answer. I'm going crazy. I'm afraid of going blind and having to have surgery. How long would one have to stay in the clinic for that? Is it realistic for the blood to be absorbed in 4 weeks? Last time, it took 4 months for it to start getting better. Please answer my questions. My life is currently only stress because of this issue. And I have a small child. I want to be there for them. Thank you.

Nadja Struß

Dear questioner,

It is actually the case that throughout the day, the movements of the eye redistribute the blood back into the field of vision (so to speak, it gets stirred up), so it may well be that the vision worsens again in the evening.

The absorption of blood usually takes 4 weeks, but it can also take 3-4 months.

If you feel so severely impaired and it keeps bleeding again, you should consult again regarding the therapy options of VEGF antibodies and vitrectomy, maybe also get a second opinion from another eye doctor on this matter.

A vitrectomy involves a hospital stay of several days, as close monitoring is required after the operation. Such an operation is of course not without risks, but often the vision can be significantly improved as a result.

Please seek advice again, especially when it comes to surgery, it is important to get a second opinion. This can only be provided by an eye doctor on site.

Best regards,

Nadja Struß