Subconjunctival bleeding

A subconjunctival bleeding usually does not result in pain, although occasionally the affected eye may feel dry, rough, or scratchy.

A subconjunctival bleeding initially appears bright-red underneath the transparent conjunctiva. Later, the bleeding may spread and become green or yellow as the hemoglobin is metabolized. It usually disappears within 2 weeks.[5]

• 
  After one week
• 
  Same as prior after four weeks
• 
  As viewed through a slit lamp
• 
  After 48 hours

• It may result from being choked
• Certain infections of the outside of the eye (conjunctivitis) where a virus or a bacteria weaken the walls of small blood vessels under the conjunctiva
• Mask squeeze from diving and not equalizing mask pressure during descent
• Eye trauma
• Coagulation disorder (congenital or acquired) including Ebola
• Head injury
• Whooping cough or other extreme sneezing or coughing[6]
• Severe hypertension
• LASIK
• Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (caused by Enterovirus 70 or Coxsackie A virus)
• Leptospirosis
• Increased venous pressure (e.g., extreme g-force, straining, vomiting, choking, or coughing)[6][7] or from straining due to constipation
• Zygoma fracture (results in lateral subconjunctival bleeding)

Subconjunctival bleeding in infants may be associated with scurvy (a vitamin C deficiency),[8][9] abuse or traumatic asphyxia syndrome.[10]

Eye surgery such as LASIK, and atmospheric pressure changes such as those from diving deeply in water and aircraft altitude changes.[6][7]

Diagnosis is by visual inspection, by noting the typical finding of bright red discoloration confined to the white portion (sclera) of the eye.

A subconjunctival bleeding is typically a self-limiting condition that requires no treatment unless there is evidence of an eye infection or there has been significant eye trauma. Artificial tears may be applied four to six times a day if the eye feels dry or scratchy.[11] The elective use of aspirin is typically discouraged.