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The conjunctiva
is a thin membrane that covers the surface of the inner eyelid and
the white part of the eyeball. The conjunctiva contains many
small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood
vessel in the conjunctiva breaks and bleeds. It may occur
spontaneously or from heavy lifting, coughing, or vomiting. In some
cases, it may develop following eye surgery or
 trauma.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage tends to be more common among those with
diabetes and hypertension.
These hemorrhages are also relatively common in newborn infants. In
this case, they are thought to be caused by the heavy pressure
changes across the length of the infant's
body during delivery.
While it may look frightening, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is
essentially harmless. The blood from the broken conjunctival vessel
becomes trapped in the space underneath the clear conjunctival
tissue. The blood naturally absorbs within one to three weeks and
may (like a bruise) turn
greenish or yellow during this time.
Medications - Some medications and
herbal supplements can increase the risk of this
type of bleeding. These include:
- Blood-thinning
medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
and aspirin
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo
- Garlic
- Ginger
- St. John's
wort
- Cayenne
Signs and Symptoms
- Red, bloody
patch on the white of the eye
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Painless
-
No change in
vision
Detection and Diagnosis -
Most patients
notice the subconjunctival hemorrhage
when looking in the mirror, or when a friend or family member points it
out.
Treatment -
Although it may
look like an emergency, a subconjunctival hemorrhage
does not affect the vision and usually no treatment is required. However, if you
have recurrent subconjunctival
hemorrhages or other bleeding, always consult your
physician and mention any medications or
supplements you take.
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Sources: |
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| 1. St.
Luke's Eye |
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2. Mayo Clinic |
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