What is a Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?

A subconjunctival haemorrhage sounds scary, right? But don’t worry, here at Superdrug Contact Lenses Online, we’re here to put your mind at ease and explain (without getting too technical) exactly what it is and how to treat it if it ever happens to you. 

What is a Subconjunctival Haemorrhage? 

Simply put, a subconjunctival haemorrhage is when a blood vessel in your eye bursts or leaks. When you have a subconjunctival haemorrhage, the leaking blood is trapped between your conjunctiva (a very thin layer of tissue covering the underside of your upper and lower eyelids) and the sclera (which is the white part of your eye). Think of a subconjunctival haemorrhage like a bruise under your skin, but just being in your eye. 

Subconjunctival Haemorrhage Symptoms

• The first thing you will notice will be a red eye. 

• Subconjunctival haemorrhages or haemorrhages in your eye are usually painless, and you might not even notice it until someone points it out to you or you catch a glimpse of it in the mirror. 

• You may feel a little discomfort, like an ache or a feeling of something in your eye. 

How did it happen? What are the causes?

Believe it or not, a subconjunctival haemorrhage can happen out of the blue! But something so easy as coughing or sneezing could cause a subconjunctival haemorrhage. In addition, taking certain medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners, can make you more susceptible to a slight bleed in the eye.  

Suffer from high blood pressure? Again, this could be a cause of a haemorrhage in your eye. But even just rubbing your eye too hard, doing something a little too strenuous, or an eye injury can cause one of your blood vessels to burst. 

How do I Treat a Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?

It will take a little time for a subconjunctival haemorrhage to heal and fade like a bruise. However, it will lose its redness eventually, and you may notice your eye change colour like a bruise would. 

If there is any discomfort, pop in to see your pharmacist or optician, they may recommend you some lubricating eye drops. 

Subconjunctival Haemorrhages FAQs

Help, I keep getting recurrent subconjunctival haemorrhages…

If this is not the first time you have had a subconjunctival haemorrhage and get them quite often, it might be a good idea to speak with your GP. Having recurrent subconjunctival haemorrhages could signify that you are suffering from high blood pressure, so your GP may check your blood pressure or even give you a diabetes check. If you are already taking blood pressure medication, they may review this. 

I have pain in my eye/it is affecting my vision

If you have any pain in your eye or any change in your vision, please seek medical attention as soon as possible, it may not be a subconjunctival haemorrhage. 

Our Top Tips for Looking After Your Eyes with a Subconjunctival Haemorrhage: – 

• If you are a contact lens wearer and have a subconjunctival haemorrhage, take them out! This will help with any discomfort…pop on your trusty specs. 

• Equally as important, if you need to touch your eyes, always wash your hands beforehand. 

• Try not to rub your eyes if you suffer from this or any other eye condition. 

Our General, Everyday Top Eye Care Tips: – 

• Protect your eyes – we know to protect our eyes from the sun but remember to protect them from blue light and pop on safety goggles when carrying out DIY. 

• Change your eye make-up often – mascara could harbour nasty bugs if you used beyond its expiration date, so change it frequently to protect your eyes from infections. 

• Do not use eye drops when they have been open too long – once you have opened your eye drops, keep an eye on when they need to be discarded. 

• Remember to make that date with your optician – keep up to date with your optician appointments. 

Not sure if you have a subconjunctival Haemorrhage? Read our blog “eye problems, how to spot an eye infection” for an overview of various eye conditions.