A subconjunctival hemorrhage is the rupture of a small blood vessel under the conjunctiva. This condition is characterized by bright red patches on the whites of the eyes. Although the symptoms look serious, subconjunctival bleeding is generally harmless.
The conjunctiva is the clear surface that lines the eye and contains many fine tiny blood vessels. A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when the small blood vessels under the conjunctiva burst.
When these blood vessels burst, blood will fill the area between the conjunctiva and the sclera (the white part of the eye). As a result, the whites of the eyes will look red.
Causes of Subconjunctival Bleeding
The cause of subconjunctival hemorrhage is not always known with certainty. However, the blood vessels in this area tend to be more fragile. In some people, these blood vessels can burst due to activities or conditions that increase pressure in the eye, such as:
- Throws up
- pushing
- Lifting heavy objects
- Rubbing your eyes too hard
- Cough or sneeze that is too strong
In certain cases, subconjunctival bleeding can also be caused by the following conditions:
- Eye injury, for example due to eye contact with an object
- Eye surgery
- Infections that cause fever, such as influenza and dengue fever
- Vitamin C deficiency
Risk FactorSubconjunctival hemorrhage
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing a subconjunctival hemorrhage, namely:
- Elderly
- Suffering from diabetes
- Suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Suffering from blood clotting disorders
- Taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin
Symptoms of Subconjunctival Bleeding
Symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage are bright red patches on one or more of the whites of the eye. Generally, patients do not feel any other symptoms. However, there are some patients who also experience mild irritation to the eyes.
When should you go to the doctor?
Immediately consult a doctor if redness in the eye is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, visual disturbances, or discharge from the eye.
In addition, consult a doctor if you experience recurrent subconjunctival bleeding.
Diagnosis of subconjunctival hemorrhage
To diagnose, the ophthalmologist will ask the patient's complaints, history of eye injury, history of bleeding or bruising, and the patient's overall medical history, including occupation and lifestyle. After that, the doctor will measure the patient's blood pressure and perform a physical examination of the eyes.
In patients who experience repeated subconjunctival bleeding, the doctor may order blood tests to determine whether the patient has a blood clotting disorder.
Treatment of Subconjunctival Bleeding
Subconjunctival hemorrhage does not require special treatment. Generally, this condition will resolve on its own in 7–14 days. If the patient feels irritation, the doctor can give artificial tear drops to relieve it.
If the doctor suspects that the subconjunctival bleeding is caused by hypertension or a blood clotting disorder, the doctor will prescribe medication to treat the cause. The patient may also be referred to a specialist in internal medicine for further examination and treatment.
Complications of Subconjunctival Bleeding
Subconjunctival hemorrhage generally does not cause complications. However, if the subconjunctival hemorrhage is caused by an eye injury, the doctor will perform an eye exam to ensure that there are no complications from the condition.
Prevention of Subconjunctival Bleeding
Subconjunctival hemorrhage can be prevented in the following ways:
- Gently rub your eyes when your eyes are itchy
- Clean contact lenses regularly
- Wear eye protection when exercising or doing activities that have a risk of causing eye injury
- Consult a doctor if you are taking blood thinners