ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Subconjunctival hemorrhage

What is Subconjunctival hemorrhage?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is bleeding due to a rupture of small blood vessels in the ocular conjunctiva, which causes blood to accumulate in the space located between the conjunctiva and the sclera, causing a reddish spot in the white area of the eye.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage, also known as bloodshot eyes, is usually not serious or complicated, it disappears without treatment in a couple of weeks or longer, unless it is due to an underlying disease that causes recurrent bleeding. In the latter case, it will be necessary to treat the condition that caused it.

There are several causes for a subconjunctival hemorrhage to occur, the most frequent being:

  • Diabetes.
  • Anticoagulant intake.
  • Intense coughing fits.
  • Viral infections.
  • Eye surgical procedures.
  • Conditions that affect blood coagulation.
  • Constipation.
  • Make great physical efforts.
  • Sneezing too hard.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Intense vomiting.
  • Scratching or rubbing the eye very forcefully.
  • Hits.

To prevent subconjunctival hemorrhage it is recommended:

  • Check your blood pressure regularly to prevent it from rising.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes very vigorously.
  • If you practice sports or activities with a risk of receiving any trauma, use protective glasses.

Signs and symptoms Subconjunctival hemorrhage

  • Eye redness.
  • Bright red spot in the white part of the eye.
  • Irritation.
  • Light discomfort.

The chances of complications are slim unless it is a severe trauma that could have caused considerable damage to the eye.

Diagnosis and treatment Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Once the ophthalmologist analyzes your symptoms and medical history, they will perform a thorough eye exam and a test to measure your blood pressure.

If they suspect that there is an underlying disease that could be the cause of the subconjunctival hemorrhage, they will request a series of tests that will help them rule out possible conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment to be followed will depend on the origin of the bleeding, but regularly, if there is no additional pathology, it will exclusively be the application of eye drops or artificial tears to moisten the eye.

At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies of both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Fuentes:

  • aao.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • cun.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Quesada RMA, Montero CLB. Diagnóstico y manejo del síndrome de ojo rojo. Rev Med Cos Cen. 2009;66(588):235-240.
  • Barrera GBR, Torres AA, Somoza MJÁ, et al. Caracterización de los pacientes con traumatismo ocular en el área de salud ‘Julián Grimau’. MediSan. 2012;16(12):1831-1837.
  • García FL, Rodríguez RBN, Chiang RC, et al. Rotura ocular posterior traumática. Rev Cub Oftal. 2016;29(3):581-588.
  • Troyo BP. La hemorragia subconjuntival como predictor de hipertensión arterial sistémica reactiva. Med Sur. 2003;10(4):157-159.

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