This protocol addresses vitreous haemorrhage arising from neovascularization associated with proliferative retinopathy, in the absence of concurrent retinal detachment or retinal break.
The initial approach — activity limitation combined with elevation of the head of the bed during sleep to allow the haemorrhage to settle inferiorly — aimed at improving retinal visualization. When this step does not achieve inferior settling of the vitreous haemorrhage and adequate visualization of the retina, escalation to the next line is indicated.
With visualization still limited, the strategy shifts to directly targeting the underlying neovascularization. A laser-based intervention — performed through the residual haemorrhage where feasible — is the primary measure. The complete protocol details additional options for situations in which laser treatment cannot be delivered immediately.
Goal: regression of retinal neovascularization