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Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhage means that there is bleeding from a broken blood vessel underneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the eyeball. Though it can look frightening, it is almost always harmless.

The amount of blood may be so small that at first it is barely noticeable. But later, it can look like it’s spreading which may alarm you. The amount of blood is not actually increasing. (Think of pouring a teaspoon of red paint on a white kitchen counter and covering it with glass. The paint spreads out under the glass which makes it look like there is more than there really is.)

A subconjunctival hemorrhage will not affect your vision and there is no way for the blood to enter inside of your eye.

What Causes the Hemorrhage?

A small blood vessel may burst when you strain suddenly, such lifting something heavy, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or straining when using the bathroom. Very rarely, the bleeding may be associated with a generalized bleeding tendency, such as severe anemia.

Treatment

By the time you notice the hemorrhage, the bleeding has already stopped. The blood will gradually disappear by itself, but it may take as long as two weeks to completely absorb. You may be able to hasten the absorption process by using warm compresses on the eye after the first 24 hours—but no sooner. Using heat too soon risks more bleeding.

You should not feel any pain, but if your eye itches or feels irritated, you can use a decongestant eye drop that can be purchased over the counter.