The
front, white part of the eye is covered by a transparent membrane called
the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva has a rich blood supply. A sub-conjunctival
haemorrhage occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak, causing a small
amount of blood to gather between the sclera (white eye wall) and conjunctiva.
Because these membranes are transparent very small bleeds can look quite
dramatic. However, it is very common and will not damage your vision.
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Photograph of a severe sub-conjunctival
haemorrhage.
Despite the
dramatic
appearance no treatment is
usually required. |
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Symptoms
The eye will look very bloodshot and you may have very mild discomfort or a feeling of something being in the eye.
Causes
Practically all sub-conjunctival
haemorrhages occur for no obvious reason and there is no associated illness.
They often occur after a bout of severe coughing or sneezing. Occasionally
there are associated with high blood pressure and if recurrent bleeds
occur it is worth checking your blood pressure.
The bloodshot appearance
usually disappears 7 to 14 days without treatment.
