Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

What is it?

Is a small break in a  blood vessel like a bruise under the conjunctiva. It appears as an area of blood on your eye. The eye looks red but is not painful.

Often a subconjunctival haemorrhage is noticed first when you look in the mirror or someone else points it out. The blood stays on the eye as it is not easily absorbed, so it lasts up to 2-3 weeks.

Signs & Symptoms

• Blood red patch on eye.

• No pain. Perhaps mildly tender.

• No discharge.

• Vision not affected.

Why does it Happen?

It is often unknown what caused the blood, but can be associated with:

• Violent coughing, powerful sneezing,or vomiting.

• Straining, such as heavy lifting.

• Eye rubbing or trauma/hitting eye with something.

• General health issues: diabetes, high blood pressure, or medication such as blood thinners (aspirin).

• Blood clotting disorder, vitamin K (rare).

Treatment

Drops can’t help repair the broken vessel. The blood will just take time to absorb. If you have had trauma you want to rule out any other injury.

If you are on medication, continue taking the medicine and talk to your GP if concerned. Otherwise cool compress and eye drops for comfort and help, and avoid rubbing your eye.

Synopsis

• Eye is red with no pain.

• Often someone else will notice red eye first.