Retinal Hemorrhages in The Newborn

Key Features

• Retinal hemorrhages are commonly seen in the otherwise healthy newborn

• Retinal hemorrhages occur most often after vaginal delivery but can also be present after suction delivery or cesarean section

Clinical Findings

• A dilated retinal examination reveals unilateral or bilateral hemorrhages that can be located anywhere in the retina

• May appear as dot, blot, subretinal, or preretinal hemorrhages

• May also break into the vitreous

Diagnosis

• Examination of the retina of an otherwise healthy newborn infant is not indicated

Treatment

• Observation; retinal hemorrhages usually disappear within the first month of life