What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. How does it occur. What are the symptoms of a broken blood vessel in the eye. When should you see a doctor for eye bleeding. What causes subconjunctival hemorrhage. Who is at risk for developing this condition. How can you prevent eye bleeding.

Understanding Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: A Common Eye Condition

A subconjunctival hemorrhage, often referred to as a broken blood vessel in the eye, is a condition that can appear alarming but is typically harmless. This occurrence happens when a small blood vessel ruptures beneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface covering the white part of the eye. The result is a bright red patch on the sclera, which can be startling to see but usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks.

The conjunctiva, unable to absorb blood quickly, traps the blood from the ruptured vessel, creating the distinctive red appearance. Many people don’t realize they have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until they catch their reflection and notice the dramatic change in their eye’s appearance.

Key Characteristics of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

• Appears as a bright red patch on the white of the eye
• Often occurs without obvious harm to the eye
• Can be caused by something as simple as a strong sneeze or cough
• Typically doesn’t require treatment
• Usually resolves within two weeks

Recognizing the Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The primary symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is unmistakable: a bright red patch on the white part of your eye. Despite its alarming appearance, this condition is generally benign and doesn’t affect your vision or cause pain. Some individuals may experience a slight scratchy sensation on the eye’s surface, but this is often the extent of any discomfort.

Common Symptoms

• Bright red patch on the sclera (white of the eye)
• No changes in vision
• Absence of pain or discharge
• Possible mild scratchy feeling on the eye surface

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage dangerous. Despite its bloody appearance, this condition is typically harmless and doesn’t pose a threat to your eye health or vision. The dramatic look of the hemorrhage often makes it seem worse than it actually is.

Causes and Triggers of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While the exact cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage isn’t always identifiable, several factors can trigger this condition. Understanding these potential causes can help you recognize why you might experience this eye issue and potentially prevent future occurrences.

Common Causes

1. Violent coughing
2. Powerful sneezing
3. Straining (e.g., during heavy lifting or constipation)
4. Vomiting
5. Roughly rubbing the eye
6. Eye trauma (such as a foreign object injury)

Can everyday activities cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Yes, even seemingly harmless actions like a forceful sneeze or cough can lead to a broken blood vessel in the eye. This is because these actions can temporarily increase pressure in the blood vessels, causing a small vessel to rupture.

Risk Factors Associated with Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While anyone can experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage, certain factors may increase your risk. Being aware of these risk factors can help you take preventive measures or be more vigilant about eye health.

Common Risk Factors

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Advanced age
• Eye strain from prolonged screen time

How does diabetes increase the risk of subconjunctival hemorrhage. Diabetes can damage small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. This damage can make the vessels more fragile and susceptible to rupture, increasing the likelihood of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Prevention Strategies for Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While it’s not always possible to prevent a subconjunctival hemorrhage, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These preventive measures focus on protecting your eyes and managing underlying health conditions that may contribute to the problem.

Preventive Measures

• Practice gentle eye care (avoid rubbing eyes forcefully)
• Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes and hypertension
• Consult your doctor about adjusting blood-thinning medications if necessary
• Use protective eyewear during activities that risk eye injury
• Take regular breaks during prolonged screen time to reduce eye strain
• Stay hydrated to maintain eye moisture

Can lifestyle changes help prevent subconjunctival hemorrhage. Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of subconjunctival hemorrhages. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and managing stress levels.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Bleeding

While most cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage resolve on their own without complications, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Being aware of these situations can help you determine when to consult a healthcare professional.

Reasons to See a Doctor

• Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages
• Accompanying pain or vision changes
• History of blood disorders or use of blood-thinning medications
• Eye bleeding following trauma or injury
• Hemorrhage that doesn’t improve after two weeks
• Bleeding in both eyes simultaneously

What will a doctor do if you seek help for a subconjunctival hemorrhage. If you consult a doctor about a subconjunctival hemorrhage, they will likely perform a comprehensive eye examination. This may include checking your blood pressure, assessing your overall eye health, and potentially ordering blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could be contributing to recurrent hemorrhages.

Treatment Options and Home Care for Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

In most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage doesn’t require specific treatment and will resolve on its own within a couple of weeks. However, there are some steps you can take to alleviate any discomfort and support the healing process.

Home Care Measures

• Use artificial tears to lubricate the eye and reduce scratchy sensations
• Apply a cool compress to soothe any mild irritation
• Avoid rubbing or touching the affected eye
• Protect your eye from further irritation by wearing sunglasses outdoors
• Continue normal daily activities, as the condition doesn’t typically affect vision

How long does it take for a subconjunctival hemorrhage to heal. Typically, a subconjunctival hemorrhage will resolve on its own within one to two weeks. The red patch may change color during this time, similar to a bruise, as the blood is gradually reabsorbed.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Eye in Relation to Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

To fully comprehend subconjunctival hemorrhage, it’s helpful to understand the basic anatomy of the eye, particularly the structures involved in this condition. The eye is a complex organ with multiple layers and components, each playing a crucial role in vision and eye health.

Key Structures Involved in Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

• Conjunctiva: The clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid
• Sclera: The white, outer layer of the eyeball, visible through the conjunctiva
• Blood vessels: Tiny vessels that run through the conjunctiva, supplying it with blood

Where exactly does the bleeding occur in a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The bleeding occurs in the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera. When a blood vessel in this area ruptures, blood accumulates in this space, creating the visible red patch characteristic of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Understanding this anatomy helps explain why a subconjunctival hemorrhage, despite its dramatic appearance, doesn’t typically affect vision or cause pain. The blood is contained within a very thin layer on the surface of the eye, not interfering with the deeper structures responsible for sight.

Differentiating Subconjunctival Hemorrhage from Other Eye Conditions

While a subconjunctival hemorrhage has a distinctive appearance, it’s important to be able to distinguish it from other eye conditions that may present similarly. This knowledge can help you determine whether your symptoms warrant immediate medical attention or if they’re likely to resolve on their own.

Conditions That May Resemble Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Causes redness but typically affects the entire eye and may include discharge
• Iritis: Inflammation of the iris, which can cause redness but is usually accompanied by pain and light sensitivity
• Corneal Ulcer: A more serious condition that can cause redness along with pain and vision changes
• Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera, which causes redness and is typically painful

How can you tell if eye redness is a subconjunctival hemorrhage or something else. A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically appears as a distinct, bright red patch on the white of the eye, often with clear borders. It doesn’t usually cause pain or affect vision. If the redness is accompanied by pain, vision changes, or affects the entire eye, it may indicate a different condition requiring medical evaluation.

Being able to recognize the unique characteristics of a subconjunctival hemorrhage can provide reassurance and help you make informed decisions about seeking medical care. However, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with an eye care professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Long-Term Outlook and Recurrence of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Understanding the long-term prognosis and potential for recurrence of subconjunctival hemorrhages can help alleviate concerns and guide future eye care decisions. While these incidents can be alarming, they typically don’t have lasting effects on eye health or vision.

Key Points About Long-Term Outlook

• Most subconjunctival hemorrhages resolve completely within 1-2 weeks
• No long-term vision impairment is typically associated with this condition
• Recurrence is possible, especially if underlying risk factors are present
• Frequent recurrences may warrant further medical investigation

Can subconjunctival hemorrhages cause permanent damage to the eye. In the vast majority of cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages do not cause any permanent damage to the eye or affect vision in the long term. The blood is eventually reabsorbed, and the eye returns to its normal appearance.

However, if you experience frequent recurrences of subconjunctival hemorrhages, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional. Repeated incidents could potentially indicate an underlying health condition that needs addressing, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder.

Managing Recurrent Subconjunctival Hemorrhages

If you find yourself prone to subconjunctival hemorrhages, there are steps you can take to manage the condition and potentially reduce the frequency of occurrences:

1. Work with your healthcare provider to manage underlying health conditions like hypertension or diabetes
2. Discuss any blood-thinning medications with your doctor to ensure they’re at the appropriate dosage
3. Practice good eye hygiene, including gentle cleansing and avoiding rubbing your eyes
4. Use eye protection during activities that could potentially cause eye trauma
5. Consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes well-lubricated, which may help prevent small vessels from rupturing due to dryness

By taking these proactive measures and maintaining regular check-ups with your eye care professional, you can effectively manage subconjunctival hemorrhages and maintain optimal eye health over the long term.

Psychological Impact of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

While subconjunctival hemorrhages are generally harmless from a medical perspective, their dramatic appearance can have psychological effects on those experiencing them. Understanding and addressing these emotional aspects is an important part of managing the overall impact of this condition.

Common Psychological Reactions

• Anxiety about appearance and social interactions
• Concern about underlying health issues
• Frustration with the slow healing process
• Worry about recurrence

How can you cope with the appearance of a subconjunctival hemorrhage in social situations. It’s important to remember that while the appearance may be alarming to you, most people are understanding once the condition is explained. Being open about the temporary nature of the condition can help alleviate social anxiety. If you’re particularly concerned, wearing tinted glasses in social situations until the hemorrhage clears can provide a temporary solution.

Educating yourself about the benign nature of subconjunctival hemorrhages can also help reduce anxiety. Knowing that the condition is not a sign of a serious eye problem and will resolve on its own can provide significant reassurance.

Strategies for Managing Psychological Impact

1. Educate yourself and others about the condition
2. Focus on the temporary nature of the hemorrhage
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques if anxiety persists
4. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups if needed
5. Consult with a mental health professional if the psychological impact is severe or persistent

Remember, while the appearance of a subconjunctival hemorrhage can be startling, it’s a common and benign condition. By understanding both the physical and psychological aspects of this condition, you can navigate the experience with greater ease and confidence.

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.

Products & Services

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.