What is retinal hemorrhage?
Definition Retinal hemorrhage is the abnormal bleeding of the blood vessels in the retina, the membrane in the back of the eye. Description The retina is the part of the eye that converts light into nerve signals that are processed by the brain into visual images. The retina is the inside surface of the back of the eye, consisting of millions of densely arranged, light-sensitive cells called rods and cones. Blood flow to the retina is maintained by the retinal vein and artery, and a dense network of small blood vessels (capillaries) supplies the area with circulation. These blood vessels can become damaged by injury and disease and may bleed (hemorrhage) and cause temporary or permanent loss of visual accuracy. Because the cells of the retina are so dense and sensitive, even small injuries to the blood vessels can translate into vision problems. Diseases that affect the health of the circulatory system, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, also affect the blood vessels of the eye.
