What can cause retinal hemorrhage?

Retinal hemorrhage can occur due to various underlying conditions that impact the integrity of the retinal blood vessels. One of the most significant contributors to retinal hemorrhage is systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension. These diseases can lead to changes in the blood vessel structure and function, resulting in increased vascular permeability and fragility, ultimately causing bleeding into the retina.

In diabetes mellitus, for example, chronic high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the retinal capillaries, leading to diabetic retinopathy, characterized by microaneurysms and retinal hemorrhages. Systemic hypertension can similarly predispose individuals to retinal changes that result in hemorrhage, as high blood pressure exerts stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to break under pressure.

Other listed causes do not directly lead to retinal hemorrhage. Direct trauma to the optic nerve primarily affects the nerve itself rather than the retina. Congenital malformations of the retina may affect vision but are less commonly associated with active hemorrhage compared to systemic vascular conditions. Retinal detachment can accompany hemorrhage but is not an exclusive cause; instead, it typically arises as a consequence of other underlying issues. Thus, systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and hypertension are major contributors to retinal hemorrhage,