Learn About Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch appearing in the white of the eye. This condition is one of several disorders called red eye.
The white of the eye (sclera) is covered with a thin layer of clear tissue called the bulbar conjunctiva. A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks open and bleeds within the conjunctiva. The blood is often very visible, but since it is confined within the conjunctiva, it does not move and cannot be wiped away. The problem may occur without injury. It is often first noticed when you wake up and look in a mirror.
Some things that may cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage include:
- Sudden increases in pressure in the head or neck, such as violent sneezing or coughing
- Having high blood pressure or taking blood thinners
- Rubbing the eyes
- Viral infection
- Certain eye surgeries or injuries
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is common in newborn infants. In this case, the condition is thought to be caused by the pressure changes across the infant's body during childbirth.
A bright red patch appears on the white of the eye. The patch does not cause pain and there is no discharge from the eye. Vision does not change.
No treatment is needed. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Shreesha Kodavoor practices in Coimbatore, India. Kodavoor is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage. Their top areas of expertise are Subconjunctival Hemorrhage, Pterygium, Keratoconus, Corneal Transplant, and Cataract Removal.
Debdulal Chakraborty practices in Kolkata, India. Chakraborty is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage. Their top areas of expertise are Subconjunctival Hemorrhage, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration, and Vitrectomy.
Advocate Medical Group Ophthalmology/Optometry
John Chu is an Ophthalmologist in Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Chu is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage. His top areas of expertise are Cataract, Ocular Hypertension (OHT), Glaucoma, and Meibomianitis.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage most often goes away on its own in about 2 to 3 weeks. The white of the eye may look yellow as the problem goes away.
In most cases, there are no complications. Rarely, a total subconjunctival hemorrhage may be a sign of a serious vascular disorder in older people.
Contact your provider if a bright red patch appears on the white of the eye.
There is no known prevention.
Summary: Study Objective The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether viewing a procedural video can improve the patient experience and reduce the incidence and severity of subconjunctival hemorrhage in individuals undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Key Research Questions 1. Can viewing the procedural video prior to treatment reduce the rate and/or area of subconjunctival hemorrhage? 2...
Published Date: April 29, 2025
Published By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Fisher L, Dorsch JN. Red eye. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2025. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2025:555-560.
Guluma K, Lee JE. Ophthalmology. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 57.
Salmon JF. Conjunctiva. In: Salmon JF, ed. Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 6.