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A retinal hemangioma is a benign blood vessel growth in the retina. The most common type is a retinal capillary hemangioma, which can leak fluid or blood into nearby retinal tissue. Leakage can lead to swelling, hard exudates, or detachment that affects vision. Some cases occur on an individual basis, while other cases are linked to Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
read more about retinal hemangioma ...Many retinal hemangiomas are sporadic, meaning the growth appears without a known inherited condition. Retinal capillary hemangiomas can also occur as part of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, a genetic disorder tied to tumors in several organs. The eye finding can be the first clue that prompts a broader medical evaluation. Growth size and leakage tend to drive symptoms more than the label alone. A retina specialist often recommends screening for VHL when the pattern, age, or family history raises concern.
Small lesions can cause no symptoms and get found during a routine dilated exam. When leakage develops, central vision can blur if fluid reaches the macula. Some people notice distortion, reduced contrast, or a dark spot in the center of vision. Floaters can occur if bleeding happens into the vitreous, though this is less common than leakage-related blur. Any rapid vision drop or new distortion should prompt an eye exam soon.
Diagnosis starts with a dilated retinal exam that looks for a reddish lesion with dilated feeding and draining vessels. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps document macular swelling and fluid patterns linked to leakage. Fluorescein angiography can show early filling of the lesion and late leakage that matches symptoms. Fundus photography supports tracking growth or exudation over time. A clinician may recommend systemic evaluation when the findings suggest a VHL-related pattern.
Treatment depends on size, location, and whether leakage threatens the macula. Small, stable lesions without leakage can be monitored with imaging and regular follow-up. Laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy can be used to reduce leakage in selected cases, based on lesion placement. Photodynamic therapy and injections are sometimes used as adjuncts when swelling persists or when the lesion is hard to treat with one approach. Surgery can be considered when traction or detachment becomes significant and vision is at risk.
Most retinal hemangiomas are benign, meaning the growth is not cancer. The main concern is leakage, swelling, or scarring that can affect vision. A retina specialist can explain risk based on lesion type and location.
Some cases are linked to Von Hippel-Lindau disease, especially when multiple lesions appear or when the finding occurs at a younger age. VHL can involve other organs, so eye findings can prompt broader screening. A clinician will decide whether genetic counseling or systemic workup fits the situation.
Yes, vision can be affected if chronic leakage causes macular damage, scarring, or detachment. Early detection and treatment can reduce long-term damage risk. Follow-up imaging helps track response and detect new leakage early.
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Retinal Hemangiomas. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/education/disease-review/retinal-hemangiomas. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Retinal Hemangiomas: Understanding Clinical Features, Imaging, and Therapies. Retina Today. https://retinatoday.com/articles/2015-july-aug/retinal-hemangiomas-understanding-clinical-features-imaging-and-therapies. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
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Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome. MedlinePlus Genetics. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/von-hippel-lindau-syndrome/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.