WHAT IS IT?
Sub-conjunctival hemorrhage is a condition that occurs when a small blood vessel in the eye breaks, causing blood to leak into the conjunctiva, the clear layer that covers the white part of the eye. The bleeding is usually painless and doesn’t affect your vision, but it can be scary to see a bright red spot on the white of your eye.
CAUSES
Causes: Sub-conjunctival hemorrhage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Eye trauma or injury
- Heavy lifting or straining
- Coughing or sneezing
- High blood pressure or blood thinning medications
- Eye infections or inflammation
TREATMENTS
Treatment: In most cases, sub-conjunctival hemorrhage doesn’t require any treatment and will clear up on its own within two to three weeks. However, there are a few things you can do to help the healing process:
- Apply a cold compress: A cold compress can help reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with sub-conjunctival hemorrhage. You can use a cold washcloth or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Apply the compress to your eye for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can make the bleeding worse and delay the healing process. If you need to touch your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly first and be gentle.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and reduce any irritation or dryness you may be experiencing.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercise, can increase your blood pressure and make the bleeding worse. Avoid these activities until the bleeding has cleared up.
In some cases, sub-conjunctival hemorrhage may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder. If you experience recurrent sub-conjunctival hemorrhages or have other symptoms, such as eye pain or changes in vision, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
In rare cases, sub-conjunctival hemorrhage may require medical treatment. If the bleeding is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your condition. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged blood vessel in the eye.
Prevention: Sub-conjunctival hemorrhage is not always preventable, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Protect your eyes: Wear safety glasses or goggles when you’re working with tools or doing activities that could potentially cause eye injury.
- Manage your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to manage it.
- Take breaks: If you’re doing activities that require you to strain or lift heavy objects, take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest your eyes and prevent injury.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to reduce your risk of developing infections that could cause subconjunctival hemorrhage.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, sub-conjunctival hemorrhage is a common and usually harmless condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While it can be alarming to see a bright red spot on the white of your eye, it typically clears up on its own within a few weeks. If you have any concerns or experience recurrent sub-conjunctival hemorrhages, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.