Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Causes & Care

What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a small blood vessel breaks beneath your eye’s clear surface (conjunctiva). Blood collects between this layer and the white of your eye (sclera), creating a noticeable but painless red patch. Think of it like a bruise on your eye’s surface – not an internal ‘eye bleed’.

Key facts:

• Doesn’t affect vision or cause pain

• Typically harmless and clears up within 1-2 weeks

• Common condition seen by our Seattle optometrists at Cannon EyeCare

Who is more likely to get them?

While anyone can develop one, they’re more frequent in:

• Adults over 50 years old

• Individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes

• People taking blood-thinning medications

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage dangerous?

Almost always, no. However, if they happen repeatedly or you experience other symptoms, it could signal an underlying health concern requiring evaluation by an eye doctor in Seattle.

What Causes Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages occur spontaneously without a clear trigger. However, common causes seen by our Seattle eye care team at Cannon EyeCare include:

• Physical Pressure: Activities that suddenly increase pressure in eye vessels, like:

  • Forceful coughing, sneezing, or vomiting

  • Heavy lifting or intense straining

• Minor Eye Trauma: Such as:

  • Rubbing your eyes vigorously

  • A minor bump, scratch, or fingernail accident

• Contact Lens Irritation: Improper insertion/removal or irritation from lenses

• Underlying Health Conditions: Including:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Diabetes

  • Blood clotting disorders

• Medications: Blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or similar anticoagulants (increase risk)

Less Common Causes:

• Recent eye surgery or procedures

• Certain eye infections (uncommon)

• Significant Eye Trauma: Requires immediate evaluation by an eye doctor in Seattle

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Symptoms & Healing Stages: What to Expect

Classic Symptoms:
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically shows these harmless signs:

• A painless red patch (size varies from a small dot to a large area)

• No vision changes

• No discharge or itchiness (unlike infections such as pink eye)

Normal Healing Timeline:
Like a bruise, your eye will heal in stages as blood reabsorbs:

1. Days 1-2: Bright red, clearly defined spot

2. Days 3-7: Color fades to yellow or greenish

3. Days 7-14: Spot shrinks and disappears completely
   Pro Tip: Color changes are normal – no treatment needed!

When to Visit Cannon EyeCare in Seattle:

Contact our Seattle eye care team promptly if you experience:

• Pain, blurred vision, or severe swelling

• A red patch covering most of the white

• Symptoms after significant eye/head trauma

• Frequent recurrences (especially if taking blood thinners)

• Light sensitivity or discharge (suggests another condition)

How Subconjunctival Hemorrhage is Diagnosed at Cannon EyeCare

Diagnosing a subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically quick and simple. During your visit to our Seattle eye clinic, your Cannon EyeCare optometrist will:

1. Examine Your Eye: Using specialized magnification to confirm it’s a harmless SCH (not infection or internal bleeding).

2. Review Your History: Asking key questions like:

   • “Did you experience a recent eye injury or trauma?”

   • “Are you taking blood thinners (aspirin/warfarin)?”

   • “Do you have hypertension, diabetes, or bleeding disorders?”

Testing is rarely needed for isolated cases. However, we may recommend further evaluation at our Seattle clinic if:

• You have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages

• We suspect an underlying clotting disorder

• Symptoms are unusual (especially in children)

• Your dilated eye exam reveals other concerns

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treatment & Self-Care in Seattle

Good news: Most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal naturally within 1-2 weeks without treatment. At Cannon EyeCare, we guide Seattle patients with these safe, effective self-care steps:

Do:

1. Use preservative-free artificial tears for dryness/grittiness
2. Avoid rubbing/pressing on the affected eye
3. Temporarily pause contact lens wear
4. Choose acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain relief if needed*
5. Monitor changes and call us with new symptoms

Don’t:

1. Attempt to rinse or “flush out” the blood
2. Use non-prescribed medicated eye drops

Symptom Relief Tip:

• Apply a cold compress (first 24 hours) to reduce initial irritation

• Switch to a warm compress (after 48 hours) to support healing

Preventing Subconjunctival Hemorrhages: Tips from Your Seattle Eye Care Team

While subconjunctival hemorrhages aren’t always preventable, our Cannon EyeCare experts recommend these proactive steps to reduce your risk in Seattle:

Key Prevention Strategies:

Control Systemic Conditions:

• Strictly manage high blood pressure & diabetes with your physician

• Monitor BP regularly (critical for adults 50+)

Protect Your Eyes:

• Wear ANSI-rated safety goggles during sports/DIY projects

• Never rub eyes vigorously – use cool compresses for itch relief

Smart Medication Management:

• Never adjust blood thinners without consulting your doctor

• Discuss anticoagulant alternatives if recurrent bleeds occur

Allergy & Lens Care:

• Use preservative-free allergy drops during Seattle’s pollen seasons

• Practice strict contact lens hygiene: wash hands, disinfect lenses

Your Prevention Checklist:

• Annual comprehensive eye exams at our Seattle clinic
• Monthly blood pressure checks (if hypertensive)
• Review medication side effects with your doctor
• Replace contact lens cases quarterly

Special Cases & Recurrent Bleeds: Seattle-Specific Care

Frequent Subconjunctival Hemorrhages?

If you experience recurrent eye bleeds, our Cannon EyeCare team recommends:

Comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out:

• Hypertension or clotting disorders

• Medication interactions (especially blood thinners)

Dilated retinal exam + blood pressure screening at our Seattle clinic

Family history review for bleeding disorders

Special Population Considerations:

Infants/Children:

• Rarely linked to birth trauma (usually resolves spontaneously)

• Requires prompt evaluation to exclude rare conditions

Older Adults & Complex Patients:

• Often indicates uncontrolled hypertension or vascular fragility

• Needs coordinated care with your primary physician

Seattle Climate Considerations:

Pollen Seasons (Apr-Sep):

• Use preservative-free artificial tears 4x/day

• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors

• Check NW Asthma & Allergy Center pollen counts

Windy Days:

• Protect eyes with moisture chamber sunglasses

• Avoid vigorous eye rubbing (use a cool compress instead)

While a subconjunctival hemorrhage may look dramatic, it’s rarely a cause for concern. With proper self-care and awareness of underlying risks, most cases heal quickly and without complications. However, recurring episodes or additional symptoms shouldn’t be ignored—they could signal a deeper issue.

Concerned about a red spot in your eye?
Schedule a quick evaluation with our trusted Seattle eye care team at Cannon EyeCare. We’re here to protect your vision and peace of mind—book your appointment today.