What is Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding beneath the conjunctiva, the clear layer that covers the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The hemorrhage can be due to the leakage of a blood vessel within the conjunctiva.
Symptoms
A prominent symptom is a red spot on the white of the eye. It is painless and does not affect vision. Usually, the patient becomes aware of it when someone else points it out.
Causes
In most cases, the causes are unknown, but the following factors have been associated with the condition:
Intense activities (such as heavy lifting), severe coughing, sneezing, vomiting, high blood pressure, diabetes, blood disorders or the use of blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin (Sintrom). Other causes include trauma or continuous rubbing of the eye (causing irritation on the conjunctiva or the eye's surface) or even after eye surgery.
What Will the Doctor Do During the Examination?
The doctor will check your vision, examine your eye under a lamp, and may measure your eye pressure if deemed necessary.
Treatment
This condition usually does not require treatment and will resolve on its own within one to two weeks.
Outcome
After a few days, the red spot will turn yellow and then completely disappear.
