Eales Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Eales Disease?
Eales Disease is usually managed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care, often one trained in retinal disease. A primary care doctor can be your first stop, order initial blood tests, and refer you to a retina specialist.
What it is
Eales Disease is a rare eye condition that affects the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. It causes inflammation and blockage of the veins in the retina, which can lead to bleeding inside the eye and vision problems. Doctors sometimes call it retinal vasculitis.
Symptoms
The most common sign is blurry vision or seeing dark spots that float across your field of view. These floaters happen when small amounts of blood leak into the clear gel that fills the eye. Many people have no pain. The condition often affects one eye first but can later involve both eyes.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not fully know what causes Eales Disease. Many experts believe it is linked to an abnormal immune response. Some studies have found connections with past exposure to tuberculosis, but most patients have no active infection. It is rare in the United States and more common in India and other parts of Asia, most often affecting young adults and men.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no single test. An eye doctor will dilate the pupil and examine the retina. A common test is fluorescein angiography, which uses a dye injected into a vein to show blood flow in the retina. Doctors may also order blood tests to rule out other causes of eye inflammation, such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. In early stages, doctors may use corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. If abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina, laser treatment can shrink them and lower the chance of bleeding. In severe cases, surgery called a vitrectomy may remove the blood-filled gel from the eye. Some people keep good vision while others have lasting vision loss.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly if you have sudden blurry vision, new floaters, or a dark curtain moving across your vision in one eye. Early evaluation gives the best chance of protecting your sight.
Common questions
Is Eales Disease curable?
There is no known cure, but treatments can control inflammation and reduce bleeding. Many people keep useful vision, especially when the condition is caught early. Outcomes vary from person to person.
Is Eales Disease contagious?
No. It cannot spread from person to person. Some researchers think past infections may play a role in who develops it, but the condition itself is not passed to others.
Does it always affect both eyes?
Not always. It often starts in one eye, but it can develop in the other eye over months or years. Regular eye exams help monitor both eyes.
Can it come back after treatment?
Yes, it can. Some people have flare-ups of inflammation or new bleeding over time. Ongoing follow-up with an eye doctor is common.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Eales disease
- MedlinePlus - Retinal Disorders
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Vasculitis most common cause of spontaneous pediatric vitreous hemorrhage
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
