Information and Resources
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Bleeding in Eye)
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Overview
The conjunctiva is the thin, moist, clear membrane that covers the white
part of the eye (called the sclera). It protects and lubricates the
eyeball.
The conjunctiva contains nerves and many small blood vessels. These blood
vessels are fragile and may rupture or burst easily, resulting in a
subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding under the conjunctiva). A subconjunctival
hemorrhage appears as a bright red or dark red patch on the sclera.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Causes
Usually, there is no obvious cause for this bleeding underneath the
conjunctiva. Often, a person may discover a subconjunctival hemorrhage on
awakening.
The following can occasionally result in a subconjunctival hemorrhage:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Straining/vomiting
- Eye rubbing
- Trauma (injury)
- Bleeding disorder
- Severe eye infection (conjunctivitis)
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Symptoms
Most of the time, no symptoms are associated with a subconjunctival
hemorrhage other than seeing blood over the white part of the eye.
- Very rarely do people experience any pain when the hemorrhage begins. As the hemorrhage resolves, some people may experience a very mild irritation of the eye.
- The hemorrhage itself is an obvious, sharply outlined red spot on the sclera. The entire white part of the eye may be covered by blood.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call your ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery) if the subconjunctival hemorrhage does not get better within 2 weeks or if it has happened many times.
Also, call your ophthalmologist if you have a hemorrhage in both eyes at the same time or if the subconjunctival hemorrhage coincides with easy bruising, bleeding gums, or both.
Go to your ophthalmologist immediately if these conditions develop:
- Extreme pain
- Changes in vision (eg, blurry vision, double vision, difficulty
seeing)
- History of bleeding disorder
- History of high blood pressure
- Injury from trauma to the eye
Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Is there any sign of damage to the eye?
- Will I develop any scarring or permanent vision loss from a subconjunctival
hemorrhage?
- What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
- How can I prevent a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
Exams and Tests
Your ophthalmologist takes a concise history of what led up to the
subconjunctival hemorrhage and performs an examination. Your blood
pressure may also be checked.
If trauma was the cause, a more thorough examination using a slit lamp (a
special microscope for examining the eye) will usually be performed.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treatment
Self-Care at Home
Usually, no treatment is needed. Over-the-counter artificial tears can be
applied to the eye if mild irritation is present.
The use of aspirin or ibuprofen should be
avoided.
Medical Treatment
Usually, no treatment is required. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe artificial tears to ease the irritation.
If the injury is trauma related, your ophthalmologist may need to examine
your eye to rule out the possibility of damage to other parts of the eye.
Next Steps Outlook
This condition clears after 1-2 weeks. Usually, recovery is complete, without any long-term problems. Like a bruise, a subconjunctival hemorrhage changes colors (often red to yellow) as it heals.
For More Information
American Academy of Ophthalmology
655 Beach Street
Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120
(415) 561-8500
Web Links
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Medem, Inc, Medical Library, Eye Health
Multimedia
Media file 1: Subconjunctival hemorrhage. Photograph courtesy of Lawrence B. Stack, MD, Vanderbilt University.
Synonyms and Keywords
subconjunctival hemorrhage, bleeding in the eye, eye injury, ruptured blood vessels, blood in the eye, bleeding under the conjunctiva, bloodshot eye,conjunctiva, pinkeye,conjunctivitis




