Spontaneous Vitreous Hemorrhage in a Naval Aviator

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage is uncommon in the general population. Of cases, 10-20% are idiopathic or due to occult causes and a majority of the remainder are associated with diabetic disease. The evaluation and disposition of an aviator has not been reported previously.This case will document the work-up and safe return to flight of a patient. CASE REPORT: A 33-yr-old male MH-60R pilot presented with acute blurred vision in the left eye and eye pain which began at his desk. His review of systems was otherwise negative. His medical history was noncontributory. On initial examination his vital signs and external ocular exam were normal. He was immediately referred to the optometry clinic, where a dilated funduscopic examination (DFE) with scleral depression demonstrated a large floater OS composed of streaks of blood and tobacco dust. His DFE was otherwise normal with no retinal tears or vitreous detachments. On repeated DFEs, his intraoccular pressures remained normal and his hemorrhage resorbed without decreased visual acuity or field deficits. A hematologic work-up was negative. After 4 mo of observation, the patient was returned to flight status without further recurrence. DISCUSSION: No known associations exist between aeronautical duties and spontaneous vitreous hemorrhages. The stressors aviators are subjected to, such as high vibrations and increased g forces, may make them more likely to suffer intraocular microvascular damage that could lead to retinal detachment, vitreous detachment, and bleeding. Further reports are needed to determine the risks of recurrence in aviators and their differences from typical spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage patients.