Eye injuries

Subconjunctival haemorrhage

What is a subconjunctival haemorrhage?

A subconjunctival haemorrhage is one of the most common causes of a red eye. The conjunctiva is a thin film which covers the white area of the eyes; a subconjunctival haemorrhage occurs when one of the blood vessels running between the conjunctiva and the sclera (the white part of the eye) ruptures.

Causes of a subconjunctival haemorrhage

In most cases, there is no exact cause and the red eye appears randomly. In some cases, this condition may be caused by trauma to the eye or head or after a prolonged period of vomiting or intensive coughing.

Symptoms of a subconjunctival haemorrhage

In the majority of cases the patient will not experience any symptoms other than the altered appearance of the white portion of the eye. A patient’s vision will not be affected as the cornea is not affected by the haemorrhage.

Treatment for a subconjunctival haemorrhage

A subconjunctival haemorrhage does not require any treatment; in time, the eye will heal and the physical appearance will return to normal.

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