Subconjunctival hemorrhage – this is the spillage of blood under the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva contains many blood vessels, the continuity of which can be ruptured, causing redness of the eye and a foreign body sensation or swelling under the eyelid. Occasional mild pain occurs.

Bleeding under the conjunctiva can be caused by many factors, including: coughing, vomiting, intense physical activity, fatigue, eye damage due to pressure or impact. Your health can often contribute to the development of recurrent subconjunctival bleeding. If you have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or high cholesterol, or if you have a bleeding disorder, subconjunctival bleeding may occur for no other apparent reason. Different eye diseases, inter alia allergic, bacterial, or viral conjunctivitis, may be accompanied by subconjunctival hemorrhage. It should be mentioned that subconjunctival hemorrhage is also a symptom that often occurs after all types of ophthalmic surgery. In the case mentioned above, don’t panic – the bleeding will absorb as the postoperative wound heals.

Any other cause of subconjunctival hemorrhage should prompt you to have an urgent eye exam.