Retinal pigment epithelium tear as a cause of vitreous hemorrhage.

Tearing of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can complicate its detachment in the course of senile macular degeneration. In the majority of cases, there is progression to the formation of a macular fibrous scar with poor visual outcome. There have not been any previous reports of vitreous hemorrhage complicating RPE tear. We describe the findings in a 65-year-old man who was observed pre- and posttearing of a serous RPE detachment. He was receiving chronic aspirin therapy for recurrent headaches and developed a vitreous hemorrhage five weeks following the RPE tear.