When you hear the word aneurysm, you think of a pooling of blood around an artery, that has the possibility of rupturing.  This is true also, of a retinal macroaneurysm.

Cause

Retinal macroaneurysms are caused by high blood pressure 50-70% of the time.  Atherosclerosis is also an underlying cause in some cases. It is more common in women than men.

Symptoms

Most of the time a retinal macroaneurysm will not cause any symptoms that you will notice. If the aneurysm forms in the macular area, you may have decreased central vision.  If the aneurysm ruptures, you will have cloudy or little vision in the areas the blood spreads to.  If this in the periphery of your retina, you may not be aware of it at all.

Diagnosis

Retinal macroaneurysms are diagnosed by a dilated retinal examination and special tests and pictures that will determine if the pool of blood is leaking into the surrounding areas.

Treatment

A retinal macroaneurysm rarely requires treatment if it is not interfering with your vision.  Sometimes laser will isolate bleeding in the peripheral areas of the retina if there is leakage.  If the aneurysm ruptures and interferes with your vision, surgery may be performed to clear as much of the blood as possible.

Prevention

Management of high blood pressure is critical for any patient with a retinal macroaneurysm.

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