Patient education: Subconjunctival hemorrhage (The Basics)

What is subconjunctival hemorrhage? — Subconjunctival hemorrhage is the medical term for a broken blood vessel on the surface of the eye. (The "conjunctiva" is the clear layer that covers and protects the front of the eye. The word "hemorrhage" means bleeding from the broken blood vessel.)

A subconjunctival hemorrhage can happen after coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or straining very hard. These things can put extra pressure on your blood vessels. It can also be caused by injury, like if something scratches or pokes your eye. Sometimes, a subconjunctival hemorrhage happens without any obvious cause.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is more common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or certain bleeding disorders.

What are the symptoms of subconjunctival hemorrhage? — People with a subconjunctival hemorrhage have a red spot on the white part of the eye (figure 1). There are usually no other symptoms.

Typically, a person doesn't realize that they have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until they see their eye in the mirror, or someone else tells them.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — It depends:

●If you notice a red spot in your eye after coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or straining, it should go away on its own in a week or 2. If it has not improved after 2 weeks, call your doctor or nurse.

●If you notice blood in your eye after an injury, call your doctor or nurse. Even things like rubbing your eye very hard, or touching your eye while putting in or removing contact lenses, can cause injury. You should also call if you have any other symptoms, like pain or vision problems. These can be caused by problems other than subconjunctival hemorrhage.

●If you get a subconjunctival hemorrhage more than once, tell your doctor or nurse. They can do an exam, and do tests to see if you might have another health problem, such as a bleeding disorder. They might also suggest seeing an eye doctor.

How is subconjunctival hemorrhage treated? — In most cases, specific treatment is not needed. A subconjunctival hemorrhage can look scary. But the blood will usually absorb back into your eye within 1 to 2 weeks. The area might change colors as it heals. For example, it might turn yellow.

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