Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a condition characterized by accumulation of blood under the conjunctive. It happens due to broken capillaries. This is generally not a serious health issue and most commonly affects people who have experienced some kind of eye injury. Still, even spontaneous bleeding from conjunctival capillaries is possible. The conjunctiva is normally transparent so if it contains blood, it becomes red. The redness remains for some time until the accumulated blood is completely absorbed (approximately a few days).
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Underlying Causes
There are several different factors associated with bleeding inside the conjunctiva. In many cases such blood accumulation develops as a result of an eye injury. The conjunctival capillaries may also be rather fragile so that even a minor trauma may initiate blood leakage. In people with fragile capillaries coughing, sneezing, vomiting, heavy lifting and similar strenuous activities increase blood pressure and easily initiate subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Furthermore, subconjunctival hemorrhage additionally affects people who are taking some medications (blood thinners and some antihypertensives)or use certain herbs or herbal supplements (ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic etc.).
The risk of bleeding is higher in people who are already suffering from some medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Clinical Characteristics
The most distinguishing sign of subconjunctival hemorrhage is noticeable redness of the affected eye which develops due to blood accumulation. Apart from that patients generally do not complain about any additional symptoms. So, there usually are no pain, eye discharge or vision problems. In rare cases patients may experience a scratchy sensation but it can be well-tolerated.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treatment Options
The condition per se may be quite frightening because it develops soon and the very presence of blood in one's eye makes him/her quite worried. Fortunately, subconjunctival hemorrhage is not a serious condition and generally withdraws on its own. However, the underlying causes of this medical issue must be thoroughly investigated and if there are certain illnesses, these must be properly treated.
The accumulated blood is absorbed within a couple of days. Sometimes patients may benefit from artificial tears which efficiently deal with a scratchy sensation.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage caused by medications may continue repeating until the drug a person is taking is not changed with some other medication or its dose is reduced.
Also people who have experienced repeated subconjunctival hemorrhage must undergo a thorough examination. It is most likely they are suffering from hypertension without even knowing it. With proper treatment, repeated bleeding will be successfully prevented.
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