Subconjunctival Haemorrhage: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is the result of a tiny blood vessel rupturing right below the conjunctiva, the transparent layer covering the eye. In many ways, it feels like you have a bruise on your skin. Because the conjunctiva cannot absorb blood quickly, blood is stuck. You may not even be aware that you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until you glance in the mirror and notice that the white portion of your eye is bright red.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages can occur without the eye appearing to be damaged. An ocular blood vessel can burst with a strong cough or sneeze. There is no need for treatment. Subconjunctival hemorrhages are usually benign conditions that fade and disappear in two weeks or less, even though they may look alarming.

Causes Of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

The exact etiology of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is not usually known. The following activities may cause a small blood vessel to burst in your eye:

• Severe coughing
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Straining

An eye injury such as the following can occasionally result in a subconjunctival hemorrhage:

• Rubbing your eye
• Trauma
• A foreign body struck in the eye

Also Read: Fuchs' Dystrophy: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms Of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The bright red patch on the white (sclera) of your eye is the most noticeable indication of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears more serious than it is due to its bloody appearance

it shouldn't hurt, create discharge, or obstruct your vision. Maybe the only pain you're experiencing is a scratchy sensation on the surface of your eye.

Also Read: Optic Neuritis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Risk Factors Of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

Risk factors for subconjunctival bleeding include the following:

• Age: Those 65 years of age and older are the most susceptible to subconjunctival hemorrhages. This is especially true for people with vascular illnesses like diabetes or hypertension.
• Contact lens wearers: Those who wear contact lenses are more likely to experience subconjunctival hemorrhages. Conjunctival infections are more common in contact lens wearers. These conditions' dryness and roughness might cause blood vessel rupture and inflammation.
• Surgery on the eyes: Subconjunctival bleeding is more common in patients with eye surgery, such as a cataract treatment.

Also Read: Blindness: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Diagnosis Of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

Your doctor or optometrist will usually identify a subconjunctival hemorrhage after examining your eye. Most likely, additional testing won't be required.

If you get recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, your doctor might additionally conduct the following:

• Find out about your overall health and symptoms.
• Examine your eyes.
• Check your blood pressure.
• Get a basic blood test to ensure you have no potentially dangerous bleeding issues.

Also Read: Retinitis Pigmentosa: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

TreatmentOf Subconjunctival Haemorrhage 

Subconjunctival hemorrhage usually does not require treatment. Artificial tears, or eye drops, can help soothe discomfort in the eyes. The majority of ruptured blood vessels heal in two weeks. Larger lesions might require more time to heal. As the blood fades, the area could turn lighter in color, similar to a fading bruise.

Speak with your eye care professional if you're having trouble with your eyes. This could be a sign of more serious illnesses, such as a hyphema, which is a blood clot in front of the coloured part of the eye, the iris.

Testing to seek for an underlying reason may be recommended by your doctor or an eye care professional if you frequently notice broken blood vessels in your eyes. Rarely, coagulation abnormalities in blood such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease make subconjunctival hemorrhage more likely. 

Also Read: Corneal Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Prevention Of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

Consult your doctor about any preventive measures you can take if the bleeding on the surface of your eye has a known cause, such as a bleeding disorder or blood thinner. You will be less likely to suffer from a subconjunctival hemorrhage if you take this action.

Rub your eyes lightly if necessary. Excessive rubbing of the eyes may induce subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Also Read: Keratoplasty: Procedure, Results, Complications For Keratoplasty

Complications Of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhages are usually harmless and cause no issues. In rare instances, they could point to a dangerous underlying illness such as:

• Disease of the blood vessels.
• A condition of blood clotting or bleeding.
• Extreme asthma attack.
• Non-accidental damage.
• Serious eye injury to the orbits.

To scale up your NEET PG preparation with the best-in-class video lectures, QBank, Mock Tests and more, download the PrepLadder App!

Download PrepLadder's NEET PG preparation app for Android

Download PrepLadder's NEET PG preparation app for iOS