Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is when blood collects under the conjunctiva in your eye. The conjunctiva is the clear lining that covers the white of your eye. The blood is from broken blood vessels under the conjunctiva. You will have a bright red patch in the white of your eye. This is a condition that lasts a short time and is not serious.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Care for your eye:

The redness in your eye may be present for 2 to 3 weeks before it goes away on its own. You may be told to do the following:

• Cold compresses: Put a cold pack on your eye for the first 12 to 24 hours. Ask how often to apply cold and for how long each time.
  
  
• Warm compresses: After the first 24 hours, put a warm pack on your eye. Do this 3 times each day for about 10 to 15 minutes each time.
  
  
• Eye drops: You may be told to use eye drops, also called artificial tears, to keep your eye moist. Make sure you wash your hands before you use eye drops. Use the drops as directed.

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or eye specialist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or eye specialist if:

• The redness in your eye has not gone away after 3 weeks.
  
  
• You have another subconjunctival hemorrhage.
  
  
• You have subconjunctival hemorrhages in both eyes.
  
  
• You have questions about your subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have eye pain, vision changes, or bright light hurts your eye.
  
  
• You have white or yellow discharge from your eye.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Aftercare Instructions)