Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The sclera is the white part of your eye. Covering the sclera is a thin transparent membrane called the conjunctiva. You can only see the conjunctive with a special microscope. Blood vessels run underneath the clear conjunctiva and above the white sclera. Subconjunctival means under the conjunctiva.

If for any reason one of the blood vessels under the conjunctiva hemorrhages, the blood from the hemorrhage is trapped under the conjunctiva. This trapped blood is the redness you see when you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages do not usually affect your vision. By themselves, subconjunctival hemorrhages rarely pose any danger to your eyes. However, if they occur frequently they can indicate an underlying bleeding problem. Oftentimes, people are at higher risk of subconjunctival hemorrhage when they take common blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin. Therefore, if you are getting frequent subconjunctival hemorrhages, you should check with your family doctor.

If you notice any changes in your vision immediately contact our office. Otherwise, we should see you at your next regularly scheduled appointment.