Subconjunctival Hemorrhage – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
A blood vessel breakage under the clear surface of your eye is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This happens when a small vessel bursts beneath the conjunctiva (the clear covering over the white part of your eye).
When this occurs, blood gets trapped because the conjunctiva cannot absorb it quickly. Many people find out they have this condition when they see bright red in the white part of their eye while looking in a mirror.
Though it may look concerning, this condition is similar to having a bruise on your skin. These ruptures typically happen without any injury to the eye. Common triggers include:
- Strong sneezing
- Forceful coughing
- Straining
Important fact: Despite its alarming appearance, this condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own within approximately two weeks without requiring treatment.
Symptoms
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically appears as a bright red spot on the white part (sclera) of the eye. Despite its alarming appearance, this condition usually doesn’t affect vision.
Most people experience no pain with a subconjunctival hemorrhage. You might feel a slight scratchy sensation on the eye surface, but there should be no discharge from the eye.
The condition looks more serious than it actually is.
When to Visit Your Doctor
If you notice bleeding in your eye, you should speak with your doctor. Recurring eye bleeds may point to other health issues that need attention.
Causes
Subconjunctival hemorrhages often occur without a clear reason. Several everyday actions may trigger small blood vessels in the eye to break:
- Strong coughing fits
- Forceful sneezing
- Physical straining
- Episodes of vomiting
Eye injuries can also lead to these hemorrhages:
- Aggressive eye rubbing
- Physical trauma to the eye
- Foreign objects making contact with the eye surface
These actions increase pressure in the tiny blood vessels of the eye, making them more likely to burst.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of getting a subconjunctival hemorrhage:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Blood-thinning medications like warfarin and aspirin
- Disorders that affect blood clotting
People with these conditions should be aware of their higher risk.
Complications
Health problems from a subconjunctival hemorrhage rarely occur. However, if your hemorrhage happens because of an injury, your doctor might check your eye thoroughly.
This is to make sure there are no other eye injuries or issues that need treatment.
Ways to Prevent Eye Surface Bleeding
You can take steps to prevent bleeding on the eye surface. If you know the cause of your eye bleeds, such as blood disorders or blood thinners, consult your doctor about prevention options.
Be gentle when touching your eyes. Harsh rubbing can damage your eyes and cause bleeding. Use light pressure if you need to rub your eyes at all.
For people on blood-thinning medication, follow your doctor’s advice about medication use to help reduce risks.
