Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

The conjunctiva is a tissue that covers the white part of the eye, and consists of blood vessels and nerves. Subconjunctival haemorrhage is bleeding under the conjunctiva caused by the rupture of these blood vessels. It appears as a red patch on the white of the eye. Subconjunctival haemorrhage does not usually affect your vision or cause pain or discharge from the eyes but you may experience itching of the eye.

Subconjunctival haemorrhage has no specific cause. It can occur suddenly from sneezing, coughing, rubbing of the eyes, vomiting and trauma. Risk factors may include diabetes, hypertension, blood clotting disorders and blood thinning medications.

When you present with subconjunctival haemorrhage, your doctor may perform an eye examination and run blood tests to rule out serious bleeding disorders. The condition usually does not require treatment as the blood is absorbed back into the eyes in about a week or two. However, you may be prescribed eye drops to relieve irritation or itching in your eyes.