About Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Broken Blood Vessel in Eye)

Overview

A subconjunctival hemorrhage, also known as a red eye or broken blood vessel in the eye, occurs when a blood vessel in the conjunctiva (the clear outer surface of the eye) leaks or breaks. This results in blood getting trapped between the conjunctiva and the white part of the eye, causing a red patch or area in the eye. It is a common condition and usually harmless, causing no pain or vision changes. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva are delicate and can rupture due to various reasons such as trauma, rubbing the eyes, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Subconjunctival hemorrhages often resolve on their own within a few weeks without any treatment. However, if it occurs due to an underlying medical condition, it is important to seek treatment for the underlying cause.

Causes and Risk Factors

The pathophysiologic causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage are not fully understood. However, there are several factors that can contribute to its development:

• Non-modifiable risk factors:
  • Injury or trauma to the eye, face, or head
  • Medical disorders that cause bleeding
• Modifiable risk factors:
  • Rubbing or scratching the eye too hard
  • Taking blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin
  • Excessive physical strain from activities like sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or straining
  • Wearing contact lenses
  • High blood pressure
  • Allergic reactions
  • Diabetes (increases the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to subconjunctival hemorrhage)

It's important to note that while these factors can increase the likelihood of developing a subconjunctival hemorrhage, they do not guarantee its occurrence. If you have concerns about your risk factors or experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage, consult with your healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of subconjunctival hemorrhage include:

• Redness on the white part of the eye
• Irritation or feeling of a scratch in the eye
• Feeling of fullness in the eye

Less common symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision or difficulty seeing
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Swollen eyelids
• Fluid-filled, blister-like growths on the surface of the eye (chemosis)
• Fever

It's important to note that most subconjunctival hemorrhages are not harmful and typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, if you experience severe symptoms or have concerns, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a subconjunctival hemorrhage , the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:

• Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and any previous diagnoses.
• Visual Examination: A doctor can diagnose a subconjunctival hemorrhage by visually inspecting the eye. They will look for a bright red patch on the white part of the eye.
• Comprehensive Eye Exam: If there are additional symptoms or concerns, a comprehensive eye exam may be conducted. This exam helps assess any underlying issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Eye Pressure Measurement: If there is suspicion of hyphema (blood in the front chamber of the eye), the doctor may check the pressure in your eye to evaluate any potential damage.

It's important to consult with your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. They will determine which examinations, tests, and procedures are necessary based on your individual situation.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for subconjunctival hemorrhage are to manage any underlying conditions, relieve symptoms, promote healing, and prevent complications. Here are the different treatments and how they work:

• Medical treatment: If you have an underlying condition like high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage it. This helps prevent further bleeding and promotes healing.
• Eye drops: Depending on the cause of the eye bleeding, your doctor may prescribe different types of eye drops. These include tear drops for dry eyes, steroid eye drops for swelling, numbing eye drops for pain, antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infection, and antiviral eye drops for viral infection. They help relieve symptoms and prevent infection.
• Therapeutic procedures: In some cases of more serious eye bleeding, therapeutic procedures may be needed. These can include laser surgery to eliminate abnormal blood vessels, eye surgery to drain excess blood, or tear duct surgery. These procedures help remove the source of bleeding and promote healing.
• Health behavior changes: While there are no specific health behavior changes recommended for subconjunctival hemorrhage, it is advised to avoid rubbing the eyes and not wearing contact lenses while the eye heals. This helps prevent further irritation and potential complications.
• Home remedies: Subconjunctival hemorrhages usually heal on their own without treatment. However, you can try home remedies to relieve symptoms and promote healing. These include applying a warm compress to reduce irritation, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, using artificial tears to soothe itching and dryness, and avoiding rubbing the eyes.

Remember to consult your doctor before using any medication or trying any home remedies. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.