Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Photos, Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What Is A Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage refers to bleeding that occurs under the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. This transparent layer contains blood vessels that can sometimes break and lead to localized bleeding. When this happens, you may notice a bright red patch or spot on the white of your eye.

What Causes Subconjunctival Hemorrhages?

There are several potential causes of subconjunctival hemorrhages:

• Injury - Any trauma to the eye area, such as a foreign object, blunt force, or even vigorous eye rubbing can damage small blood vessels under the conjunctiva and lead to bleeding.
• Blood thinners - Medications like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel can increase bleeding risks.
• Blood pressure spikes - Extreme increases in blood pressure can make blood vessels more fragile.
• Diabetic retinopathy - Damage to retinal blood vessels in people with diabetes can sometimes spread to vessels under the conjunctiva.

In many cases, the cause is unknown and the hemorrhage occurs spontaneously with no trauma at all. Forceful coughing, vomiting, or straining can increase pressure in the eye area and lead to ruptured capillaries. The tissues around the eye may also become more fragile with aging.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Symptoms

The most common symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a very noticeable bright red patch on the white (sclera) of one or both eyes. The location, size, and shape can vary greatly. Other possible symptoms include:

• Sensation that a foreign object is in the eye
• Gritty feeling in the eyes, especially when blinking
• Watery eyes or excess tear production
• Slight irritation, burning, or discomfort in the affected eye

Typically, there is no pain or change in vision associated with these hemorrhages. However, if the bleeding spreads onto the cornea, you may experience temporary blurry vision. In some cases, larger bleeding areas can cause the entire eye to appear red.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Photos & Pictures

To give you a better idea of what subconjunctival hemorrhages look like, here are some photos and pictures:

This photo shows a classic subconjunctival hemorrhage appearance with a small, bright red patch on the sclera (white part of the eye). The photo also highlights veins and capillaries of the conjunctiva where bleeding has occurred.

This picture depicts a larger area of bleeding under the conjunctiva, covering roughly a quarter of the visible white area of the eye. The irregular shape and well-defined edges are typical.

Here you can see an unusually shaped subconjunctival hemorrhage following the curve of the iris in a linear form. Despite the strange appearance, these types of hemorrhages are still benign.

In severe cases where bleeding is very extensive, it can make the entire sclera or white part of the eye appear red rather than localized. However, vision is rarely impacted significantly.

Who Gets Subconjunctival Hemorrhages?

Subconjunctival hemorrhages can happen to anyone at any age. However, data shows that some groups tend to be afflicted more often:

• Elderly individuals - Aging tissues and comorbid conditions increase risks.
• People taking blood thinners - The medications affect clotting.
• Diabetics - Those with diabetic retinopathy can experience eye bleeding.
• Those with blood pressure spikes - Hypertension weakens ocular blood vessels.
• Contact lens wearers - Irritation and rubbing may play a role.

If bleeds occur frequently without known triggers or keep appearing in the same place, it may signal an underlying disorder that should be medically evaluated.

Diagnosing Subconjunctival Hemorrhages

Subconjunctival hemorrhages are typically easy for eye doctors and primary physicians to diagnose by simply observing the eye. An ophthalmoscope may be used to visualize the back of the eye and look for associated issues.

In uncomplicated cases, no other testing is necessary. However, a full dilated eye exam may be done to rule out other causes of bleeding like diabetic retinopathy or ocular trauma. Blood tests could check for problems like anemia, leukemia, or blood clotting problems.

Differential Diagnoses

Although red patches on the white of the eye are most often subconjunctival hemorrhages, doctors consider other potential diagnoses as well:

• Conjunctivitis - Viral or bacterial infection can cause eye redness and inflammation.
• Uveitis - Inflammation of uveal tissues like the iris.
• Episcleritis - Inflamed connective tissues under the conjunctiva.
• Eye injury - Foreign object, chemical exposure, blunt trauma.
• Contact lens overuse - Can irritate eyes and blood vessels.

Careful eye examination helps differentiate between these conditions based on appearance, location, potential damage, and other accompanying symptoms.

Are Subconjunctival Hemorrhages Serious?

In the vast majority of instances, subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless and pose no risks to vision or eye health. The bleeding tends to reabsorb within one to three weeks as the body naturally breaks down blood components.

Sometimes tiny scleral blood vessels are permanently damaged, leaving behind cherry-red spots where the hemorrhage occurred - but this causes no problems. If no underlying disorder is causing repeated bleeding, there is minimal concern.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treatments

There is no specific treatment for most subconjunctival hemorrhages since the bleeding reabsorbs on its own. However, there are home remedies that can provide relief from irritation or discomfort until that happens:

• Artificial tear drops - Can lubricate eyes and prevent drying.
• Cold compresses - Soothe irritated eyes.
• Limit eye rubbing and straining - Prevents exacerbating the situation.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors - Protects light-sensitive eyes.

In severe instances of extensive bleeding, surgery may be required to drain large blood clots pressing on the eye. Medications could include eye steroids to reduce inflammation or antibiotics for simultaneous infections.

If an underlying disorder like diabetes, hypertension, or blood coagulation problems are contributing to repeated hemorrhages, treating those conditions can help reduce recurrence risk.

Home Care Tips

Follow these self-care tips at home while waiting for a subconjunctival hemorrhage to resolve:

• Use over-the-counter artificial tears liberally to lubricate the eyes.
• Apply a cold compress for 5-10 minutes several times per day.
• Wear sunglasses outside to protect sensitive eyes from sunlight.
• Avoid rubbing eyes vigorously so bleeding does not worsen.
• Blink more frequently if eyes feel dry.
• See an optometrist if vision changes occur.

What's the Outlook for Subconjunctival Hemorrhages?

The prognosis for this common eye condition is excellent. In most cases, these are isolated incidents that resolve fully within a few weeks without medical intervention or lasting effects. Recurrences can happen but do not signal danger necessarily.

Rarely, subconjunctival hemorrhages that keep repeating, worsening, or impacting vision may indicate an underlying disorder requiring treatment. Diabetic retinopathy, blood cancers like leukemia, or blood vessel fragility could be behind ongoing bleeding episodes.

With proper diagnosis and management of any related health conditions though, people with recurring hemorrhages can get relief and prevent future eye bleeding in many cases.

Preventing Subconjunctival Hemorrhages

It is not always possible to prevent subconjunctival hemorrhages entirely, especially when the cause is unknown. However, the following measures can reduce risks:

• Control blood pressure - Keep levels in a healthy range.
• Regulate blood sugar - If diabetic, maintain tighter glucose control.
• Avoid blood thinners - Unless medically necessary.
• Wear protective eyewear - During sports or risky work activities.
• Lubricate eyes well - If using contact lenses.

When to See an Eye Doctor

In most cases, you can wait for a subconjunctival hemorrhage to resolve on its own within a few weeks without worrying. However, it is wise to make a quick appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if:

• Vision becomes blurry.
• Bleeding covers a large portion of the visible eye or involves both eyes.
• Severe pain or light sensitivity occurs.
• You develop recurrent hemorrhages, or risk factors like diabetes or blood disorders.

Though usually benign, major bleeding or visual disturbances warrant an eye exam to rule out serious complications. Frequent recurrences also need assessment to determine if an underlying medical issue requires management.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.