Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Dramatic painless red patch from a burst vessel

Overview

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding from a small blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye. Blood becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, producing a bright red patch that can look alarming but is usually painless and does not affect vision. Common triggers include coughing, sneezing, vomiting, straining, heavy lifting, and eye rubbing, while other associations include minor trauma, contact lens use, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Many occur without any identifiable cause. Because the blood lies outside the eye rather than within it, the condition is generally harmless, and the blood is gradually reabsorbed over one to two weeks, changing color like a bruise as it fades. Recurrent hemorrhages may prompt assessment for blood pressure or clotting problems, and a hemorrhage following significant trauma raises concern for more serious injury to the eye.