Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)

Description

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (sub-kun-JUNK-tih-vul HEM-uh-ruj) occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of the eye (conjunctiva). In many ways, it's like having a bruise on the skin. The conjunctiva can't absorb blood very quickly, so the blood gets trapped. You may not even realize you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until you look in the mirror and notice the white part of the eye is bright red.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye. Even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel to break in the eye. You do not need treatment. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may seem alarming, but it is generally a harmless condition that disappears within two weeks or so.

Symptoms

The most obvious sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white (sclera) of the eye.

Despite its bloody appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage looks worse than it is and should not cause any change in your vision, discharge, or pain. His only discomfort may be a sensation of itching on the surface of the eye.

When to see a doctor

If you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhage or other bleeding, talk with your doctor.

Causes

The cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is not always known. The following actions can cause a small blood vessel to rupture in the eye:

  • A violent cough
  • Powerful sneezing
  • Effort
  • Vomiting

In some cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage may be a result of injury to the eye, including:

  • Roughly rubbing your eye
  • Trauma, such as a foreign object may hurt your eyes

Risk factors

The risk factors of a subconjunctival hemorrhage include:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Certain medications, blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and aspirin
  • Blood-clotting disorders

Complications

Complications in the health of a subconjunctival hemorrhage are rare. If your condition is due to a trauma, your doctor may evaluate your eye to make sure that you do not have other eye complications or injuries.

Prevention

If the bleeding on the surface of your eye is a cause clearly identifiable, such as a bleeding disorder or anticoagulant medications, ask your doctor whether you can take measures to reduce the risk of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

If you need to rub your eyes, and rub in gently. Rubbing too hard can cause minor trauma to your eyes, which can lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)

Diagnosis

Your doctor or eye doctor usually will diagnose a subconjunctival hemorrhage by looking at their eyes. It is likely that you do not need other tests.

If you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhage, your doctor may also:

  • Ask questions about your general health and symptoms
  • Perform an eye exam
  • Take your blood pressure
  • Get a routine blood test to ensure that you do not have a potentially fatal bleeding disorder

Treatment

You may want to use eye drops, such as artificial tears to relieve the itching sensation that you may be experiencing. Beyond that, the blood is absorbed within 1 to 2 weeks, and will need no treatment.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care physician. In some cases, when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be referred immediately to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • List of the symptoms that you are experiencing, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • The list of personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • List of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including dosage.
  • List of questions to ask your doctor.

Prepare a list of questions that can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For a subconjunctival hemorrhage, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What could have caused this problem?
  • Will it happen again?
  • Do I need any tests?
  • Are there treatments available for this condition?
  • Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
  • What do I need to be referred to a specialist?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? You are recommended to visit a web site associated with this problem?

Do not hesitate to also ask questions that occur to you during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you first notice the problem?
  • Do you have any of the symptoms associated with this?
Symptoms and treatment of Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)