A variety of conditions can result in blood leaking into the vitreous humor, which can cause impaired vision, floaters, and photopsia.

Trauma is the leading cause of vitreous hemorrhage in young people, and accounts for 12–18.8% of cases in adults.

When these pockets develop near the back of the eye, the vitreous can pull away from the retina and possibly tear it.

In most cases, the patient is advised to rest with the head elevated 30–45°, and sometimes to put patches over the eyes to limit movement prior to treatment in order to allow the blood to settle.

Retinal tears are closed by laser treatment or cryotherapy, and detached retinas are reattached surgically.