SUBCONJUNCTIVAL HEMORRHAGE

General Information

DEFINITION--Sudden appearance of blood in the white area of the eye. Although the bleeding may appear frightening, it is not painful or serious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages, including newborns.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--A small, painless collection of bright red blood over the white of the eye. Swelling may occur in the affected area of the conjunctiva. The blood changes color gradually to brown or green before disappearing. The condition doesn't interfere with vision.

CAUSES--Usually spontaneous bleeding with no known cause. It may follow coughing, sneezing, vomiting or direct injury to the eye. The blood vessels of the conjunctiva are fragile and frequently leak.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Use of mind-altering drugs.
• Use of anticoagulant drugs.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor (sometimes).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment, if there has been injury or a change in vision.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--None expected.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--The blood should be absorbed in 2 or 3 weeks. It is very unlikely that any scarring will occur.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• No specific measures are necessary.
• Compresses don't help or hasten the healing.

MEDICATION--Medicine is usually not necessary for this disorder.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

You have symptoms of subconjunctival hemorrhage, especially if you have eye pain or your vision changes.