Subconjunctival hemorrhage

I get a couple of these a year maybe. It’s a burst blood vessel in the eye. . I don’t believe it’s because I’ve rubbed my eye(?) but I guess I might have done so unknowingly. I think it’s more prevalent post cataract surgery a few years ago but again couldn’t swear to this. Just wondering if anybody else has them?

Thanks in advance.

[Rachel_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hi Hidden ,

Thanks so much for your message. A member of our helpline team will be in touch to provide you with information about burst blood vessel soon.

Best wishes,

Rachel

[Hidden in reply to Rachel_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Rachel

[Timothy_GlaucomaUK]

Hi Scortonman63, thank you for your query.

If you are not noticing the burst blood vessel until you look in the mirror, it could be what we call a sub-conjunctival haemorrhage.

Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage is a common condition which is usually unimportant but very occasionally indicates a medical condition. It occurs when a small amount of bleeding occurs beneath the conjunctiva (the membrane overlying the white of the eye) and is similar to a bruise elsewhere. It appears bright red because the conjunctiva is transparent.

This may happen spontaneously (that is, with no apparent cause) or as the result of minor injury, for example when you rub your eye. It can also indicate raised blood pressure or a bleeding abnormality. Sub-conjunctival bleeding occurs more often in people taking blood-thinning medications or aspirin, and in diabetics. The condition is often alarming because of its dramatic appearance, but there is usually only mild discomfort, and the blood usually disappears in 5-10 days without treatment. It is usual to check people's blood pressure with sub-conjunctival haemorrhage and investigate the problem if it recurs. I would suggest mentioning it to your GP.

If you are concerned about vision changes, pain, discharge or sensitivity to light, I would ensure you get things checked by an eye care professional urgently.

Hope this information is useful. Any further questions then please ask.

Many thanks,

Timothy

[Hidden in reply to Timothy_GlaucomaUK]

Many thanks

[MabelandOlive]

Hi,I have a trabeculectomy in both eyes. Since the surgeries, I get a couple of sub-conjunctival haemorrhages every year. As I never rub my eyes, I don’t know what triggers them. I discussed this with the Ophthalmologist, and he told me that although they look alarming, mine were nothing to worry about. It’s definitely worth getting them checked out though.

[Hidden in reply to MabelandOlive]

Thanks for this reply. It sounds very similar to my experience but I will follow up with my GP. Thanks again.