Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: What You Need to Know

While often benign, subconjunctival hemorrhage can sometimes indicate a serious underlying issue or require immediate attention due to associated symptoms. Seek emergency care in the following situations:

• Eye Pain: Significant discomfort alongside blood in the eye could suggest conditions like hyphema or uveitis, requiring prompt treatment.
• Persistent Bleeding: If the hemorrhage persists beyond two weeks without improvement, consult an eye care professional to investigate underlying health issues.
• Vision Changes or Loss: Any changes in vision or episodes of vision loss accompanying the hemorrhage demand immediate medical attention, as they may indicate severe conditions like retinal detachment or optic nerve damage.
• Recurrent Episodes: Repeated occurrences, especially in children and the elderly, can signify systemic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Frequent episodes in children may also hint at trauma, including non-accidental injuries.
• Trauma or Injury: Hemorrhages following eye injury or trauma require immediate intervention due to the risk of concurrent severe eye injuries like orbital fractures or globe rupture.
• Blood in the Pupil: Blood pooled in the pupil area (hyphema) can increase intraocular pressure and harm vision, making it a medical emergency.
• Pus, Swelling, or Fever: These symptoms, along with subconjunctival hemorrhage, suggest infection or inflammation, possibly conjunctivitis or cellulitis, warranting a thorough medical examination.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these emergency situations, contact us to schedule an eye exam with our eye doctors.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically presents as a bright red or dark patch on the white part of the eye, caused by blood leaking from a ruptured blood vessel. Despite its alarming appearance, it usually doesn’t cause pain, vision changes, or discharge. Most people remain unaware of the hemorrhage until they look in the mirror or someone else points it out. In some cases, there might be mild irritation or a feeling of pressure in the eye. The red patch doesn’t spread but may change color as it heals, transitioning from red to yellow or green, similar to a bruise. Symptoms generally resolve within one to two weeks without treatment.