Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding beneath the conjunctiva that appears as a bright red spot on the eye, according to the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD). When a small blood vessel breaks in the eye, blood collects under the conjunctiva, which is a layer of tissue that covers the sclera, the white part of the eye. This leads to a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which appears as a patch of blood on the white part of the eye, according to KindSight Eye Specialists, Brisbane. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is almost always harmless and resolves naturally, according to the SESLHD.

What are the Common Symptoms of a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

The common symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage are a red spot, no pain, normal vision, and mild irritation. These common symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage are explained below.

• Red Spot: A bright red spot on the eye is the primary symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• No Pain: No pain is a normal symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• Normal Vision: Normal vision is a normal symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, and vision changes are uncommon.
• Mild Irritation: Mild irritation is the only other common symptom associated with a subconjunctival hemorrhage, apart from a red spot on the eye. This can present as a slight, scratchy, gritty, or itchy sensation, according to KindSight Eye Specialists, Brisbane.

What Causes a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage can be caused by physical strain, trauma, underlying health conditions, and certain medications. These subconjunctival hemorrhage causes are explained below.

• Physical Strain: Physical strain, such as coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or intense laughing or crying, can cause a blood vessel to burst in your eye and cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• Trauma: Trauma, such as eye rubbing, a foreign object in the eye, friction from contact lenses, and physical injury, can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and blood clotting disorders, can increase the risk of developing a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• Certain Medications: Certain medications, such as blood-thinning medications, can make blood vessels burst more easily and put you at an increased risk of developing a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

How Is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Diagnosed?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is diagnosed through an eye test by an optometrist or physical examination by another healthcare provider. Further testing is usually not necessary, as the red spot on the eye is distinct. An optometrist may perform a slit lamp examination to get a magnified image of the subconjunctival hemorrhage.

How Is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treated?

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages do not need specific treatment, as the blood spot will be reabsorbed into the body within 1 to 3 weeks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Over-the-counter artificial tears may relieve mild irritation, according to Bright Sight Eye Specialists, Sydney. You should avoid rubbing the area, and switch from contact lenses to glasses for a few days if possible to minimise discomfort.

Which Eye Drops Can Help With Recovery?

Eye drops cannot speed up recovery of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, but over-the-counter artificial tears such as preservative-free eye drops can relieve irritation if the eyes feel gritty or dry, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Can UV400 Sunglasses Improve Comfort During a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Yes, UV400 sunglasses can improve comfort during a subconjunctival hemorrhage by reducing bright light exposure. UV400 sunglasses can not speed up healing, but they can reduce light sensitivity and protect the affected area.

Can You Wear Prescription Glasses While Recovering From a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Yes, prescription glasses can be worn while recovering from a subconjunctival hemorrhage. It is often recommended to temporarily switch from contact lenses to prescription glasses while healing from a subconjunctival hemorrhage, according to Bright Sight Eye Specialists, Sydney.

Do You Need Treatment for Every Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

No, treatment is rarely needed for a subconjunctival hemorrhage, as it will usually resolve on its own over time, according to the SESLHD.

How Long Does a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Last?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks. The subconjunctival hemorrhage may change colour from red to orange or yellow as it heals, which is perfectly normal, according to Bright Sight Eye Specialists, Sydney.

What Happens During the Healing Process?

During the healing process, the trapped blood will be reabsorbed into the body and gradually fade, according to Bright Sight Eye Specialists, Sydney.

Can Blue Light Glasses Help Reduce Eye Strain During Recovery?

Yes and no; blue light glasses may help improve daily visual comfort, minimise glare, and reduce eye fatigue, which could be useful during subconjunctival hemorrhage recovery. However, blue light glasses cannot treat the subconjunctival hemorrhage itself, and evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. To reduce eye strain, try practising the 20-20-20 rule, or use lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel scratchy or dry.

How does a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Compare With Other Eye Problems?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless compared with many other eye problems. It rarely affects vision and causes no pain or discharge. Serious complications are uncommon with subconjunctival hemorrhage, and it usually clears up on its own.

It is important to note that Oscar Wylee offers optometry services only; this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.