Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

What is a Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?

A subconjunctival haemorrhage is a bleed underneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye (sclera). It looks like a bright red patch or blood spot on the white of the eye.

While it can look alarming, it is almost always harmless, painless, and does not affect your vision. It is essentially a bruise on the surface of the eye.

Causes

The tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva are fragile and can easily break. Common causes include:

• Coughing, sneezing, or straining
• Rubbing the eye vigorously
• Minor eye trauma
• High blood pressure
• Blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin)
• Often, it occurs spontaneously with no obvious cause

Symptoms

• A bright red patch on the white of the eye
• Usually painless, though you may feel a mild scratchy sensation
• Vision is completely normal
• No discharge from the eye

Treatment

No treatment is required. Like any bruise, the blood will gradually be absorbed by the body. The red patch may turn yellow or green as it fades. It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to clear completely, depending on the size of the bleed.

If your eye feels slightly scratchy, you can use over-the-counter artificial tear drops for comfort.

When to Seek Help

You should contact an eye care professional or your GP if:

• The bleed is accompanied by pain or changes in your vision
• You have suffered a significant injury to the eye
• The bleeds happen frequently
• You have a history of bleeding disorders or high blood pressure