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Noticing a bright red spot on your eye can be alarming, especially when it appears suddenly and without pain. Fortunately, in many cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage looks much worse than it actually is. At Kirk Eye Center, Dr. John Kirk and our experienced team are here to evaluate your symptoms, provide answers, and ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
What Is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is red lines or spots on the part of the eye that is usually white. The redness is usually harmless and painless. You may not know your eyes are red until someone tells you or you look in a mirror.
How Does the Hemorrhage Occur?
The conjunctiva is the thin sheet of transparent tissue that covers the sclera (the white part of your eye). It contains many blood vessels that are usually too small to see. Your eyeball looks white. However, blood vessels in the conjunctiva may become inflamed and cause redness. They may also bleed. The blood from a broken blood vessel becomes trapped just under the conjunctiva. A small amount of blood can make the eye look very red.
Possible Causes of These Hemorrhages Are:
- Injury
- Rubbing your eye
- Coughing or sneezing
- Lifting heavy objects
- Straining
Sometimes subconjunctival hemorrhages occur for no clear reason. They may occur more often in people who have high blood pressure.
What Are the Symptoms?
Your eye has red lines or patches in the normally white sclera, or the whole sclera may become red. Your eye may feel slightly scratchy.
If you have eye pain or changes in your vision, the redness may be caused by a more serious problem.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your eye. He or she will ask if:
- You have any problems with your vision
- You have any eye pain
Your health care provider may examine you further if:
- You often have this eye problem
- You also have a number of unexplained bruises in other places on your body
How Is It Treated?
Usually, no treatment is needed. The blood becomes absorbed in time, and the eye becomes clear again.
How Can I Help Prevent a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Often subconjunctival hemorrhages just happen with no clear cause and so can’t be easily prevented. However, sometimes you can help prevent this problem by:
- Not rubbing your eye when you feel something in it. Instead, wait for your own tears to wash out the particle or use eye drops called artificial tears
- Avoiding the lifting of very heavy objects
- When appropriate, wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes from injury and to keep out particles that could irritate your eyes
Reviewed and approved by the Wilmer Eye Institute of The Johns Hopkins Medical institutions, Baltimore, MD.
Why Choose Kirk Eye Center
At Kirk Eye Center, your care is always personal and thorough. Serving Northern Colorado since 1991, we proudly provide comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services. As a Colorado native who grew up in Estes Park, Dr. John Kirk is deeply committed to serving the community he calls home. Our compassionate team takes the time to get to know each patient, ensuring your treatment plan is right for you.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Kirk provides advanced treatments for eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. He maintains a progressive approach, staying up to date with the latest advancements and incorporating cutting-edge technology at our fully licensed, on-site outpatient surgery center. When you choose Kirk Eye Center, you can feel confident knowing you're receiving expert, convenient care all in one trusted location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will the Effects Last?
Unless your eye has been seriously damaged, the redness in your eye may clear in a week. Sometimes it takes as long as three weeks to fully go away.
Can it happen in both eyes?
Yes, though it's more common in one eye, a subconjunctival hemorrhage can occasionally occur in both eyes.
Can I wear contact lenses with a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
It's best to avoid contact lenses until the redness resolves to prevent irritation and allow proper healing.
When should I follow up with an eye specialist?
If the hemorrhage doesn't improve after two to three weeks, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by pain or vision changes, schedule an exam.
What services do you offer for eye hemorrhages or red eye concerns?
At Kirk Eye Center, we provide comprehensive evaluations to rule out underlying causes and offer personalized care for red eye conditions.
When should I seek urgent care for an eye condition?
Seek urgent care if you have severe pain, vision loss, significant trauma, or recurrent bleeding.
Do you treat subconjunctival hemorrhages in-office?
Yes. While most cases resolve on their own, we evaluate and monitor subconjunctival hemorrhages to ensure there are no serious underlying issues.
Can subconjunctival hemorrhages recur?
Yes, they can recur, especially if underlying risk factors, such as high blood pressure or the use of blood thinners, are present.
How often should I have my eyes checked after a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
If it's a one-time occurrence with no other symptoms, routine annual exams are usually sufficient. Frequent or recurrent cases may require more frequent monitoring.
Get Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Advice and Clear Eyes in Loveland, CO
If you're experiencing a subconjunctival hemorrhage or have any other eye care concerns, Kirk Eye Center is here to help. For more eye care options, please call (970) 669 - 1107 today to schedule your appointment.