Management of submacular hemorrhage: What, when, how?

Abstract

Background: Subretinal hemorrhage involving the macula is a typical complication in a variety of retinal diseases, whereby age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is by far the leading cause. Method: A literature search was carried out in PubMed. Results: Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of various approaches to the management of submacular hemorrhage, including intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment, pneumatic displacement supported by fibrinolytic agents or surgical drainage. Discussion: There is currently no consensus regarding evidence-based standard treatment for macular hemorrhage, although there is a trend towards minimally invasive approaches. Regardless of the choice of the primary treatment approach, the time to treatment and an accompanying intravitreal treatment with VEGF inhibitors are decisive for the functional outcome.