Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a harmless condition where a
small blood vessel breaks in the white part of the eye and
makes it bright red. There is usually a patch or line of
redness in the eye.
How does it occur?
Most of the time, there is no clear reason for having a
subconjunctival hemorrhage. Many people recall having
strained or coughed shortly before having the redness
appear. Being on blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin
may increase the risk. An injury to the eye can also cause
a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
What are the symptoms?
Your eye will look red. You will probably not notice unless
you look in a mirror or someone tells you. Vision should
not be affected. Some people have mild scratchy feeling on
the eye.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will look at your eye to make a
diagnosis. No further tests are usually necessary. If this
happens to you a lot, sometimes a blood test is done to rule
out a bleeding problem.
How is it treated?
Usually, no treatment is needed. The blood becomes absorbed
over time and the eye becomes clear again. Artificial tears
(eyedrops) can be used to treat the scratchy feeling.
How long will the effects last?
In most cases, the redness in your eye may clear in 1 to 3
weeks. It often turns yellow before it turns white again.
Reviewed and approved by the Wilmer Eye Institute of The
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD. Web
site:
http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu
Developed by McKesson Provider Technologies.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2005 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.