Red Eye: What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Have you ever woken up with a bloody red spot in your eye? You might have what ophthalmologists call a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Want to know more about what to do? Read on!

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when blood vessels in your eye’s conjunctiva break or leak. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye. When they break, the blood can leak between the conjunctiva and sclera, causing a red spot to appear in your eye. These blood spots often look much scarier than reality, and subconjunctival hemorrhages usually are harmless and heal on their own. 

Symptoms:
A subconjunctival hemorrhage usually appears as a bright red or dark patch on the white of the eye, and thankfully, that’s typically the only symptom. While it may look alarming, it’s generally painless. Some people may feel a mild scratchy sensation, and you might also notice the blood shifting position as it resolves.

Causes:
This condition often results from a sudden increase in pressure within the body, such as from heavy lifting, intense coughing or sneezing, or even straining during a bowel movement. These actions can cause tiny blood vessels in the eye (capillaries) to break.

In other cases, it can occur due to trauma to the eye or excessive rubbing. While less common, certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood-clotting disorders may increase the risk. Medications like aspirin or blood thinners may make you more susceptible to subconjunctival hemorrhage..

Treatment:
The good news is that no treatment is usually necessary. We recommend an examination with your eye doctor to confirm there is no other damage or underlying disease in the eye that requires attention. The blood will naturally be reabsorbed by your body, often clearing up within a few days to a few of weeks, depending on the size. If the eye feels irritated, over-the-counter artificial tears can help soothe discomfort. If you notice this happening repeatedly, your healthcare provider might recommend a blood test to check for underlying issues.

All in all, subconjunctival hemorrhages are often less scary than perceived, and with a bit of time, your body does all the work to heal it!