Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

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. This is a condition that lasts a short time and is not serious.

What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage may occur for no known reason. The following may cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage:

• An accident or injury that occurs in or near your eye.
  
  
• Hard coughs or sneezes.
  
  
• Medical conditions that cause fragile blood vessels, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. You may also get a subconjunctival hemorrhage if you have a bleeding disorder.
  
  
• Strain, such as when you lift a heavy object or have a bowel movement.
  
  
• Blood thinning medicines.
  
  
• Retching (you vomit but nothing comes out).

What are the signs and symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

You will have a bright red patch in the white of your eye. The redness in your eye may be present for 2 to 3 weeks before it goes away on its own. A subconjunctival hemorrhage normally does not cause eye pain, but you may have some pain when you move your eye. You should also not have any problems seeing.

How is a subconjunctival hemorrhage diagnosed?

Your caregiver will examine your eye and check your vision. He may check you for high blood pressure. He may also test the sugar level in your urine to check for diabetes. If you have another subconjunctival hemorrhage, or it is in both eyes, you may need tests to check for bleeding problems.

How is a subconjunctival hemorrhage treated?

Treatment is usually not needed for this condition. Your caregiver may suggest 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, your caregiver may suggest you 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.

What should I do if I injure my eye?

• Do not rub or put pressure on your eye.
  
  
• Do not take any medicines that may increase bleeding, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
  
  
• If you get dirt or another small particle in your eye, wash your eye out gently with clean water or saline (salt water).

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver 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 condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

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

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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.

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