What is a Subconjunctival Hemorhage?

Have you ever sneezed or coughed and later noticed a red spot in your eye? Although it may look frightening, chances are youre seeing whats known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage - a fancy name for bleeding into the sclera - the white part of the eyeball. This condition can occur after being punched in the eye, rubbing the eye, or after coughing hard or vomiting. Its also more common in people who have high blood pressure. If you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage should you be worried?

The good news is a subconjunctival hemorrhage looks ugly, but theyre usually completely harmless. Of course, if youve been punched in the eye or are having eye pain or visual problems, you need an evaluation to rule out other causes of a red eye. Subconjunctival hemorrhages are usually painless with the exception of some very mild irritation, although they can look pretty dramatic when you look in the mirror. In some cases, blood can completely cover the sclera of the eye - giving an almost eerie appearance to the eye. Although they can occur for no apparent reason, a subconjunctival hemorrhage that occurs without trauma to the eye can be a sign of a bleeding problem which can occur in people who are taking blood thinners.

What can you expect if you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage? Usually no treatment is necessary, although warm compresses can be placed on the eye to make it feel better. Sometimes artificial tears are used to relieve the eye irritation. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided since they can increase the risk of further bleeding.

In most cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage, the blood is slowly reabsorbed back into the body over a period of several weeks. Sometimes a color change occurs during the healing process - similar to that seen with a healing bruise. Some people feel self conscious during this stage and try to hide behind sunglasses.

Anytime you experience a red eye, dont be too quick to assume its only a subconjunctival hemorrhage. A red eye can be caused by a host of problems including allergies, conjunctivitis, an abraded cornea, and even dry eyes. Its important to get it checked out by a doctor - particularly if youre experiencing eye pain or visual changes. If it turns out to be a subconjunctival hemorrhage, be patient and it will heal on its own.

References:

Merck Manual. Eighteenth edition.