A retinal microaneurysm is a tiny area of blood protruding from an artery or vein in the back of the eye.  These protrusions may open and leak blood into the retinal tissue surrounding it.

Cause

Any form of vascular disease or high blood pressure may contribute to a retinal microaneurysm, however the most common cause is diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms

Microaneurysms alone are not likely to cause any symptoms that you would notice. 

Diagnosis

A dilated retinal examination will reveal the microaneurysm, and further tests such as a fluorescein angiogram, which is special pictures of the eye, will help determine the origin and severity of the underlying diagnosis causing them.

Treatment

A microaneurysm does not require any treatment on it’s own.  The underlying systemic disorder causing them needs to be treated.  Most microaneurysms are reversible with treatment of your diabetes, high blood pressure or other disorder causing them.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle and management of diabetes and high blood pressure go a long way to reducing retinal microaneurysms.

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