What are the symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. How is a broken blood vessel in the eye diagnosed. What causes bleeding in the white of the eye. When should you seek medical attention for eye redness. How long does it take for a subconjunctival hemorrhage to heal. What are the risk factors for developing a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Can a subconjunctival hemorrhage be prevented.

Understanding Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: A Common Eye Condition

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a relatively common eye condition that occurs when a small blood vessel breaks beneath the clear surface of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. This phenomenon results in a bright red patch on the white part of the eye, often causing alarm despite its generally harmless nature.

The term “subconjunctival” refers to the location of the bleeding, which is under the conjunctiva. This transparent membrane covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelid. When a blood vessel in this area ruptures, it creates a visible red spot that can vary in size.

Why does the blood appear trapped?

The conjunctiva has limited ability to absorb blood quickly, which leads to the blood becoming trapped beneath its surface. This trapped blood creates the characteristic appearance of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, often described as a “bloodshot” eye.

Identifying Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The primary symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is unmistakable:

• A bright red patch on the white (sclera) of the eye

Despite its alarming appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage typically does not cause:

• Vision changes
• Eye discharge
• Pain

Some individuals may experience a mild scratchy sensation on the eye’s surface, but this is usually the extent of any discomfort associated with the condition.

Can a subconjunctival hemorrhage affect vision?

In most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage does not impact vision. The blood is confined to the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera, which does not interfere with the eye’s ability to focus or process light. However, if you experience any changes in vision alongside the appearance of a red patch, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Common Causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The exact cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is not always identifiable. However, several factors can contribute to the rupture of small blood vessels in the eye:

1. Violent coughing
2. Powerful sneezing
3. Straining (e.g., during heavy lifting or constipation)
4. Vomiting

These actions can increase pressure within the blood vessels of the eye, potentially leading to rupture. Additionally, eye injuries can result in subconjunctival hemorrhage, including:

• Roughly rubbing the eye
• Trauma from a foreign object

Can everyday activities cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Yes, even seemingly innocuous activities can sometimes lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. A strong sneeze or cough is often enough to cause a blood vessel to break in the eye. This highlights the delicate nature of the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva and their susceptibility to increased pressure or sudden movements.

Risk Factors Associated with Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While anyone can experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage, certain factors may increase the likelihood of its occurrence:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)
• Blood-clotting disorders

These conditions can affect blood vessel integrity or blood clotting mechanisms, making individuals more susceptible to subconjunctival hemorrhages.

How does diabetes increase the risk of subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. This damage, known as diabetic retinopathy, can weaken blood vessel walls, making them more prone to rupture. Additionally, diabetes often coexists with hypertension, further increasing the risk of subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

In most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage can be diagnosed through a simple visual examination. The distinctive appearance of a bright red patch on the white of the eye is usually sufficient for a healthcare provider to identify the condition.

However, if subconjunctival hemorrhages occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, a more thorough evaluation may be necessary. This could include:

• A comprehensive eye examination
• Blood pressure measurement
• Blood tests to check for clotting disorders
• Review of current medications

When should you seek medical attention for a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless and resolve on their own, there are instances where medical attention is warranted:

• Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages
• Accompanying pain or vision changes
• History of bleeding disorders
• Recent head trauma
• Use of blood-thinning medications

In these cases, a healthcare provider can determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary.

Treatment and Management of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

In the majority of cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages do not require specific treatment. The condition typically resolves on its own within two weeks as the body reabsorbs the trapped blood.

However, some measures can help manage any discomfort and promote healing:

• Avoid rubbing the affected eye
• Use artificial tears if experiencing dryness or irritation
• Apply a cool compress to reduce any swelling
• Protect the eye from further injury

Can over-the-counter eye drops help with a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

While over-the-counter eye drops won’t speed up the healing process of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, they can help alleviate any associated discomfort. Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can soothe any scratchy sensation and keep the eye moist, which may contribute to overall eye comfort during the healing process.

Prevention Strategies for Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While it’s not always possible to prevent a subconjunctival hemorrhage, certain measures can reduce the risk:

1. Manage underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
2. Be gentle when rubbing or touching your eyes
3. Wear protective eyewear during activities with a risk of eye injury
4. Follow proper techniques for contact lens insertion and removal
5. Maintain good overall eye health through regular check-ups

How can managing blood pressure help prevent subconjunctival hemorrhages?

High blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls throughout the body, including those in the eyes. By keeping blood pressure under control through medication, diet, exercise, and stress management, you can reduce the strain on these delicate blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk of rupture and subsequent subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Long-term Outlook and Potential Complications

The prognosis for subconjunctival hemorrhage is generally excellent. In most cases, the condition resolves completely within two weeks without any lasting effects. The red patch gradually fades as the body reabsorbs the trapped blood, often changing color similar to a bruise healing on the skin.

Complications from subconjunctival hemorrhages are rare. However, if the condition is due to trauma, your doctor may conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure there are no other eye injuries or complications.

Can recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages indicate a more serious problem?

While occasional subconjunctival hemorrhages are usually harmless, frequent occurrences may signal an underlying issue. Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages could indicate:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Blood clotting disorders
• Side effects from blood-thinning medications
• Ocular surface disorders

If you experience frequent subconjunctival hemorrhages, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions and develop an appropriate management plan.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While subconjunctival hemorrhages are typically harmless, their striking appearance can cause significant concern and anxiety for those experiencing them. The sudden appearance of a bright red patch on the eye can be alarming, leading to worry about vision loss or serious eye conditions.

It’s important to address the psychological aspects of this condition:

• Reassurance about the benign nature of most subconjunctival hemorrhages
• Education on the natural healing process and timeline
• Strategies for explaining the condition to others who may express concern
• Coping mechanisms for any self-consciousness about appearance during healing

How can patients manage anxiety related to subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Managing anxiety related to subconjunctival hemorrhage often involves a combination of education and reassurance. Patients can:

1. Seek information from reliable medical sources
2. Discuss concerns with their healthcare provider
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation
4. Focus on the temporary nature of the condition
5. Connect with others who have experienced similar situations for support

Remember, while the appearance may be striking, subconjunctival hemorrhages are typically harmless and self-resolving, with no long-term impact on eye health or vision.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye) – Symptoms & causes

Overview

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (sub-kun-JUNK-tih-vul HEM-uh-ruj) occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). In many ways, it’s just like having a bruise on your skin. The conjunctiva can’t absorb blood very quickly, so the blood gets trapped. You may not even realize you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until you look in the mirror and notice that the white part of your eye is bright red.

Broken blood vessel in the eye

A broken blood vessel in the eye may look alarming, but it’s usually harmless.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye. Even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel to break in the eye. You don’t need to treat it. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may look alarming, but it’s usually a harmless condition that disappears within two weeks or so.

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Symptoms

The most obvious sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white (sclera) of your eye.

Despite its bloody appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage looks worse than it is and should cause no change in your vision, discharge or pain. Your only discomfort may be a scratchy feeling on the surface of the eye.

When to see a doctor

If you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages or other bleeding, talk to your doctor.

Causes

The cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage isn’t always known. The following actions may cause a small blood vessel to rupture in your eye:

• Violent coughing
• Powerful sneezing
• Straining
• Vomiting

In some cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage may result from an eye injury, including:

• Roughly rubbing your eye
• Trauma, such as a foreign object injuring your eye

Risk factors

Risk factors for a subconjunctival hemorrhage include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and aspirin
• Blood-clotting disorders

Complications

Health complications from a subconjunctival hemorrhage are rare. If your condition is due to trauma, your doctor may evaluate your eye to ensure you don’t have other eye complications or injury.

Prevention

If the bleeding on the surface of your eye has a clearly identifiable cause, such as a bleeding disorder or blood-thinning medication, ask your doctor if you can take any steps to reduce the risk of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

If you need to rub your eyes, rub them gently. Rubbing too hard can cause minor trauma to your eyes, which may lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye) – Symptoms & causes

Overview

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (sub-kun-JUNK-tih-vul HEM-uh-ruj) occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). In many ways, it’s just like having a bruise on your skin. The conjunctiva can’t absorb blood very quickly, so the blood gets trapped. You may not even realize you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until you look in the mirror and notice that the white part of your eye is bright red.

Broken blood vessel in the eye

A broken blood vessel in the eye may look alarming, but it’s usually harmless.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye. Even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel to break in the eye. You don’t need to treat it. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may look alarming, but it’s usually a harmless condition that disappears within two weeks or so.

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Symptoms

The most obvious sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white (sclera) of your eye.

Despite its bloody appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage looks worse than it is and should cause no change in your vision, discharge or pain. Your only discomfort may be a scratchy feeling on the surface of the eye.

When to see a doctor

If you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages or other bleeding, talk to your doctor.

Causes

The cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage isn’t always known. The following actions may cause a small blood vessel to rupture in your eye:

• Violent coughing
• Powerful sneezing
• Straining
• Vomiting

In some cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage may result from an eye injury, including:

• Roughly rubbing your eye
• Trauma, such as a foreign object injuring your eye

Risk factors

Risk factors for a subconjunctival hemorrhage include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and aspirin
• Blood-clotting disorders

Complications

Health complications from a subconjunctival hemorrhage are rare. If your condition is due to trauma, your doctor may evaluate your eye to ensure you don’t have other eye complications or injury.

Prevention

If the bleeding on the surface of your eye has a clearly identifiable cause, such as a bleeding disorder or blood-thinning medication, ask your doctor if you can take any steps to reduce the risk of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

If you need to rub your eyes, rub them gently. Rubbing too hard can cause minor trauma to your eyes, which may lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments – Health Articles

Hemorrhage in the eye is an accumulation of blood in the vitreous body, chambers, membranes of the eyeball or between them. It is due to a violation of the integrity of blood vessels. Therapy for this condition should be carried out exclusively by an experienced ophthalmologist. Self-medication is strictly prohibited! It can cause complications in objective diagnosis and delay the improvement of the patient’s condition.

Causes of hemorrhage in the eye:

• mechanical damage: injuries not only to the eyes, but also to the head
• surgical interventions on the organs of vision
• retinal vessel rupture
• age-related macular degeneration (wet form)
• pathological diseases and conditions affecting the properties of blood and its composition
• infectious processes that cause inflammation (iritis, conjunctivitis, retinitis)
• eye diseases (high myopia, glaucoma)
• increased intracranial pressure (including due to cerebral edema, its tumors)
• diseases that affect the condition of the walls of blood vessels (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis)
• increased blood pressure during childbirth, with intense physical exertion, with prolonged vomiting

Hemorrhages in the eyes are divided into types depending on the area in which blood accumulates.

Allocate:

• Hyposphagma (subconjunctival hemorrhage). In this case, accumulations of blood are localized between the sclera and conjunctiva, characterized by the appearance of a spot with a rich bright red color on the white of the eye. Hyposphagma does not lead to visual impairment, but at the same time, if such hemorrhages occur regularly, it is necessary to consult a doctor
• Giphemu. In this case, blood is poured into the anterior chamber. Pathology has several degrees depending on the occupancy of the chamber. If the blood reaches the pupil, then the patient complains of a decrease in visual acuity, a feeling of haziness and an acute reaction to bright light. Severe pain may also occur.0008
• Hemophthalmos. In this condition, the vitreous body or the space around it is filled with blood. Hemophthalmos occurs due to damage to blood vessels due to rupture of the retina or the appearance of pathological newly formed vessels that differ from normal ones by greater fragility
• Partial hemophthalmos, in which the area of ​​penetration occupies no more than a third of the vitreum
• Subtotal hemophthalmos, occupying from 35 to 75% of the volume of the vitreous body
• Total hemophthalmos, the affected area in which is more than 75% of the volume of the vitreum. It can cause retinal detachment and permanent vision loss
• Subretinal hemorrhages. In this case, the accumulation of blood is found under the retina, inside its layers. This type of hemorrhage is the most serious. This is due to the fact that it can provoke not only a steady decrease in vision, but also its complete loss

Diagnosis

During the examination of a patient with a hemorrhage in the eye, an ophthalmologist identifies symptoms and finds out the causes that led to unpleasant consequences. Visual acuity is necessarily determined, intraocular pressure is measured, and the structures of the anterior chamber are studied. If possible, the fundus is examined.

In addition to directly ophthalmological, the doctor can refer the patient to a general medical examination.

As a rule, the following are performed:

• complete blood count
• biochemical blood test
• coagulogram
• CT scan of the brain

If necessary, other diagnostics are carried out. If this is relevant, then the patient is referred for a consultation with narrow profile doctors: an endocrinologist, a cardiologist and other specialists.

Treatment

First aid for hemorrhage in the eye is to prevent further aggressive effects on it. If increased physical activity led to pathology, then they must be abandoned. If the problem is provoked by high blood pressure, it is reduced. Eliminate other risk factors. In most cases, this allows you to eliminate the pathology and prevent its reappearance.

Important! At the same time, it is forbidden to take any drugs, use ointments and drops before visiting an ophthalmologist. You should not use folk remedies for the treatment of hemorrhage in the eye. They can make diagnosis difficult and cause additional damage to the organs of vision.

Conservative therapy

It is selected taking into account the cause of the hemorrhage. Often it is complex and individual. Hemorrhages under the conjunctiva do not require the use of several groups of drugs. Usually it is enough to use topical retinoprotectors.

With the accumulation of a small amount of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, the patient is recommended blood-absorbing agents and drugs that reduce intraocular pressure.

With fresh hemophthalmia, bed rest, cold application for 2-3 hours, and the use of a bandage are recommended. Orally or locally prescribed drugs to stop bleeding. Topical corticosteroids and physiotherapy are recommended to prevent the formation of connective tissue at the site of blood resorption.

Surgery

It is carried out with the inappropriateness or ineffectiveness of conservative therapy. Surgical interventions are indicated for the formation of blood clots, increased intraocular pressure that persists for a long time, and other dangerous conditions.

After surgical treatment, the patient can quickly return to his usual life. At the same time, he will not experience any restrictions.

Important! The method of therapy is selected taking into account the patient’s condition, his main and concomitant diseases.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Highly qualified doctors. Our ophthalmologists have the necessary knowledge and skills to detect and treat eye diseases. The Center employs recognized experts in the field of ophthalmology with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating pathologies of the organs of vision. Many have additional competencies in narrow areas of ophthalmology. Our microsurgeons successfully treat the most serious cases of surgical pathology of the eye
• Comprehensive high-tech diagnostics. Our Ophthalmology Center conducts modern hardware examinations using the latest expert-level equipment. They allow you to detect not only internal hemorrhage in the eye, but also other pathologies in the shortest possible time and quickly make an accurate diagnosis
• Interdisciplinary approach. If necessary, doctors involve colleagues from related specialties. This allows for a high speed of identifying the causes of the pathological condition and preventing the risk of their reappearance. Ophthalmologists can work with endocrinologists, cardiologists and other subspecialists
• Modern and effective methods of treatment of hemorrhages in the eye. An individual approach to each patient and a careful search for the causes of diseases allow specialists to successfully achieve their goals
• Comfort of performing all manipulations and absence of queues

To clarify the terms of service or make an appointment with an ophthalmologist, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

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Hemorrhage in the eye: treatment, drops, prevention

The eyeball is permeated with blood vessels that provide its nutrition.

Table of contents:

Types of hemorrhage in the eye
Symptoms and diagnosis
Hemorrhage in the eye: treatment

The eyeball is permeated with blood vessels that provide its nutrition. Under the influence of external or internal factors, they can burst. There is a spill of blood, a hematoma is formed. Treatment of hemorrhage in the eye should be under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, since this symptom can have negative consequences for the health of the organs of vision.

Types of hemorrhage in the eye

Varieties of hemorrhages are determined by the place of localization. Subconjunctival, or hyposphagma, is concentrated in the conjunctiva. The space between the outer shell and the sclera is filled with fluid with blood. Hyposphagma often resolves on its own within 2-3 days. The cause of vascular rupture is overstrain, microtrauma or a sharp jump in blood pressure.

Hemophthalmos is a blood spill in the vitreous body, which in a healthy eye has a transparent structure. If the gel-like substance is filled with blood, it becomes less transparent and does not transmit light well. As a result, the patient’s vision deteriorates. Depending on the degree of loss of transparency by the vitreous body, hemophthalmia is total, subtotal and partial. Long-term contamination of the eyeball is dangerous by sealing the eyeball.

A hyphema is a hemorrhage in the anterior chamber. When a vessel ruptures, blood mixes with intraocular fluid, which is located in the dome formed by the cornea, iris and lens. Blood cells settle at the bottom of the chamber, which is dangerous for loss of vision and even blindness.

Retinal bleeding occurs in the vessels of the retina. It can be minor or extensive damage, bilateral or unilateral.

Symptoms and diagnosis

To detect a hemorrhage, it is often enough to look at the whites of the eyes. Red spots appear on them. If a hemorrhage has occurred in the sclera, the person does not feel discomfort. Retinal hematomas also do not cause pain, but occasionally black dots may appear before the eyes, the contours of objects become blurred.

In addition to blood on the eye proteins, there may be a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, which gradually disappears. Hyphema causes blurred vision, increased photosensitivity.

With hemophthalmos, the symptoms are more pronounced. The patient sees dark spots, flashes, flies and dots before his eyes. In the morning, vision deteriorates as blood particles move and are evenly distributed throughout the vitreous.

If a large amount of blood is released, exophthalmos occurs. The eyeball moves forward, spotting comes from under the lower eyelid.

Hemorrhage in the eye: treatment

Treatment of hemorrhage is predominantly medical. Drugs are prescribed that reduce IOP, constrict blood vessels and resolve blood clots. If the external vessel is damaged, artificial tear drops can be injected.