Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)

Symptoms and causes

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is the bursting of a tiny blood vessel in the protective tissue covering the eye. This clear tissue, called the conjunctiva (kun-JUNK-tih-vuh), covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (sub-kun-JUNK-tih-vul HEM-uh-ruj) can be thought of as similar to a bruise, when a blood vessel breaks in skin tissue. When a blood vessel in the conjunctiva bursts, the blood isn't absorbed right away. Instead, it leaks between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye.

Minor trauma may cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. But even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel in the conjunctiva to burst. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may look alarming, but it's usually a harmless condition that doesn't need treatment. It typically disappears within a few days to a few weeks.

Broken blood vessel in the eye

A broken blood vessel in the eye may look alarming, but it's usually harmless.

The main sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white part of the eye.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage looks worse than it actually is. It should cause no discharge, pain or change in vision. The only discomfort may be itching or irritation.

If you have subconjunctival hemorrhages often or other easy bruising or bleeding, talk with your healthcare professional.

Also, see your health professional if you:

• Injure your eye.
• Have eye pain.
• Have vision changes.

The cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage isn't always known. The following actions may cause a tiny blood vessel to rupture in the eye:

• Coughing.
• Sneezing.
• Straining.
• Vomiting.
• Rubbing the eye.
• Bumping or poking the eye, or other slight trauma.

Risk factors for a subconjunctival hemorrhage include:

• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Certain blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin (Jantoven) and aspirin.
• Blood-clotting conditions.

Health complications from a subconjunctival hemorrhage are rare. If the bleeding is due to trauma, your healthcare professional may check the eye for complications or injury.

If a subconjunctival hemorrhage is likely related to a medical condition or blood-thinning medicine, ask your healthcare professional about taking steps to reduce the risk of repeat episodes.

Avoid rubbing your eyes. Instead, use eye drops, such as artificial tears, if your eyes are dry or irritated.