Abstract

In the first hours after a vitreous haemorrhage dense enough to obscure the reina, the blood is usually confined to the posthyaloid space in an aqueous phase. Binocular occlusion and elevation provides sufficient immobilization of the eyes in nine out of 10 patients for the blood cells to settle to the bottom of the space and make the retina available for examination and repair. Blood enters the vitreous gel through holes that develop in the posterior hyaloid membrane. Blood in the gel does not settle and requires months to clear.