A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). This can result in a vivid red patch appearing on the white part of your eye (sclera). It might look alarming, but in most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a harmless condition that resolves on its own without any treatment.
These broken blood vessels can be triggered by simple actions like sneezing, coughing, vomiting, straining, or even just bending over. Sometimes, the cause remains unidentified. Think of it like a bruise on your skin, but instead of under the skin, it’s under the conjunctiva of your eye.
Generally, if you’re not experiencing pain, vision changes, or any discharge, there’s no need for immediate concern. The blood will naturally clear away, typically within 2 to 3 weeks, as your body reabsorbs it. Just like a skin bruise changes color over time, a subconjunctival hemorrhage will also transition in color as it heals.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Self-Care at Home
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage usually heals on its own, there are a few self-care steps you can take to ensure comfort and monitor the healing process. These measures mainly focus on avoiding anything that might worsen the condition or mask potential complications.
Here’s how to care for yourself at home:
- Observe the Color Changes: It’s normal for the red area in your eye to change color as it heals. Similar to a bruise on your skin, it may progress from bright red to brown, then purple, and finally yellow before disappearing completely. This color change is a sign of the natural healing process.
- Avoid Aspirin and Aspirin Products: Aspirin has blood-thinning properties that can potentially increase bleeding and prolong the healing time of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Carefully read the labels of over-the-counter medications to ensure they don’t contain aspirin.
- Use Acetaminophen for Pain Relief (If Needed): If you require pain relief for unrelated issues like headaches or fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safe option. It doesn’t have the same blood-thinning effects as aspirin.
- Be Cautious with Pain Medications: Avoid taking multiple pain medications simultaneously unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Many over-the-counter pain relievers contain acetaminophen, and exceeding the recommended daily dose can be harmful.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Although most subconjunctival hemorrhages are benign, it’s important to know when to seek medical advice. Certain symptoms might indicate an underlying issue or a related eye problem that requires professional attention.
Contact your doctor or seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Signs of Eye Infection: Watch out for symptoms that could suggest an eye infection, such as:
- Pus or thick discharge emanating from the eye.
- Increased redness or swelling surrounding the eye.
- Fever.
- Blood Covering the Pupil: If you notice blood spreading over the black part of your eye (pupil), this is not typical of a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage and warrants immediate medical evaluation.
- Vision Changes or Problems: Any alterations or disturbances in your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or decreased vision, should be promptly checked by a healthcare professional.
- Eye Pain: While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually painless, if you experience any degree of pain in your eye, it’s crucial to get it evaluated to rule out other potential causes.
It’s always wise to be attentive to your health. If your condition doesn’t improve as expected or if you notice any new or worsening symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or nurse advice line for guidance. While Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Self-care is usually sufficient, being vigilant about potential warning signs ensures prompt medical attention when truly needed.
