Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
Quick Answer
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a broken tiny blood vessel in the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white of the eye, which forms a bright red patch like a bruise. [1] It usually causes no pain, discharge or vision change. [1] A provider can diagnose it by looking at the eye. [2] Most cases need no treatment and clear within days to weeks. [1] [2]
What the research says
According to PubMed, a Korean nationwide cohort of 36,772 people with subconjunctival hemorrhage and 147,088 matched controls found the condition did not raise the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (HR 0.76) or gastrointestinal bleeding (HR 0.816) (Hong et al., 2023; DOI). [5]
In a study of 33,990 children, subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in 1.1% of cases overall, and 0.4% when eye surgery was excluded; of those non-surgical cases, 83% were due to trauma (Parikh et al., 2022; DOI). [6]
Among 265 fractured orbits, 40.4% had some degree of subconjunctival hemorrhage and 9% had ocular pathology, with more extensive hemorrhage linked to more ocular pathology — which is why an injury to the eye should always be checked (Dhillon et al., 2023; DOI). [7]
Key facts at a glance
Key fact | Detail |
What it is | A burst tiny blood vessel in the conjunctiva, the clear tissue over the white of the eye [1] |
Main sign | A bright red patch on the white part of the eye [1] |
What it feels like | Usually painless; may itch or feel mildly irritated [1] |
Vision impact | None — no change in vision [1] |
Healing time | |
Seriousness |
What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
The eye is covered by a thin, clear protective tissue called the conjunctiva. It covers the white of the eye and also lines the inside of the eyelids. [1] This clear layer is full of tiny blood vessels.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when one of these tiny vessels bursts. [1] The leaking blood sits between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye, forming a red patch. [1] It is easy to think of it as a bruise on the eye, similar to when a blood vessel breaks in skin tissue.
The blood is not absorbed right away. [1] That is why the red patch shows up so clearly. Because it spreads under a clear covering, the bleeding looks dramatic even when the injury is minor.
What are the symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
The main sign is a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. [1] The redness can cover a large area, which is why the condition looks worse than it really is.
One reassuring detail helps tell this condition apart from more serious eye problems: it should cause no discharge, no pain, and no change in vision. [1] The only discomfort a person may feel is itching or irritation. [1]
Warning signs: when to see a doctor
Symptom | Why it matters |
Eye injury | Trauma can cause other damage that needs checking [1] |
Eye pain | Pain is not part of a simple hemorrhage and needs evaluation [1] |
Vision changes | A simple hemorrhage does not affect vision [1] |
Frequent recurrences | Repeated episodes may point to an underlying health condition |
Other easy bruising or bleeding | May signal a blood or clotting problem |
What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
The exact cause is not always known. [1] In many cases, the burst vessel has no obvious trigger at all.
Several everyday actions can raise pressure enough to rupture a tiny eye vessel. These include coughing, sneezing, straining, and vomiting. [1] Rubbing the eye can also do it, as can bumping or poking the eye or other slight trauma. [1] [3]
What are the risk factors for a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
Certain health conditions and medicines make a burst eye vessel more likely. The main risk factors are diabetes, high blood pressure, blood-clotting conditions, and certain blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin (Jantoven) and aspirin. [1]
Risk factor | How it contributes |
Diabetes | Affects small blood vessels throughout the body |
High blood pressure | Stresses fragile tiny vessels, including those in the eye |
Blood-thinning medicines | |
Blood-clotting conditions | Interfere with normal clotting and increase bleeding risk |
What complications can a subconjunctival hemorrhage cause?
Health complications from a subconjunctival hemorrhage are rare. [1] Most episodes clear completely with no lasting effects.
If the bleeding follows trauma, a healthcare professional may check the eye for complications or other injury caused by the impact. [1]
How is a subconjunctival hemorrhage diagnosed?
A healthcare professional or eye doctor can usually diagnose the condition simply by looking at the eye. [2] No other tests are likely to be needed for a one-time episode. [2]
If the hemorrhages happen often, the professional may dig deeper. They may ask questions about general health and symptoms, perform a full eye exam, take blood pressure, and order blood tests to look for signs of a bleeding disorder. [2]
Diagnostic step | What it checks |
Visual exam of the eye | Confirms the red patch and rules out other causes |
Health and symptom questions | Looks for patterns behind frequent episodes |
Eye exam | Checks the eye for other injuries or conditions |
Blood pressure check | Screens for high blood pressure, a known risk factor |
Blood tests | Looks for signs of a bleeding or clotting disorder |
What are the treatment options for a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
Most people need no treatment at all. [2] The blood is absorbed by the body within a few days to a few weeks, and the red patch fades on its own. [2] [3]
For comfort, a person may use eye drops such as artificial tears to soothe any itching. [2] Avoiding eye rubbing helps the area heal and lowers the chance of another burst vessel.
How can you prevent a repeat subconjunctival hemorrhage?
If a hemorrhage seems linked to a medical condition or a blood-thinning medicine, ask your healthcare professional about steps to reduce the risk of repeat episodes. [1] Managing blood pressure and diabetes plays a central role here.
Avoid rubbing your eyes. [1] If your eyes feel dry or irritated, use eye drops such as artificial tears instead of rubbing. [1]
How should you prepare for a subconjunctival hemorrhage appointment?
Most people will not need medical care for a subconjunctival hemorrhage. [2] If you are concerned about the redness or any related eye symptoms, start with your primary healthcare professional. [2] You may be referred to an eye doctor, called an ophthalmologist, in some cases. [2]
Before the visit, list any symptoms you are experiencing, including ones that seem unrelated. List key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. List all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, with doses and reasons. Finally, write down your questions. [2]
Questions worth asking include: What might have caused the bleeding? Is it likely to happen again? Do I need any tests? Are there any restrictions I need to follow? Do I need to be referred to a specialist? [2]
Expect your healthcare professional to ask when you first noticed the red patch, whether this has happened before and how often, and whether you recall any injury to the eye. [2]
Conclusion and next steps
A subconjunctival hemorrhage looks far more alarming than it is. A burst tiny vessel leaves a bright red patch on the white of the eye, but it usually causes no pain, no discharge, and no vision change. The body reabsorbs the blood within a few days to a few weeks, and no treatment is usually needed.
Most cases need no medical care at all. Protect the eye from rubbing, use artificial tears for comfort, and give it time to clear.
If the eye was injured, if there is pain or vision change, or if these episodes keep happening, see a healthcare professional. Recurring hemorrhages can be a useful early signal of high blood pressure, diabetes, or a blood-clotting issue that deserves attention.
Frequently asked questions
What does a subconjunctival hemorrhage look like?
A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. [1] The redness can cover a large area, which makes it look worse than it actually is.
Does a broken blood vessel in the eye hurt?
No. A subconjunctival hemorrhage should cause no pain, no discharge, and no change in vision. [1] The only discomfort is usually mild itching or irritation. [1]
How long does a subconjunctival hemorrhage take to heal?
The blood is absorbed within a few days to a few weeks, and the red patch fades on its own without treatment. [2]
What causes a broken blood vessel in the eye?
Often the cause is not known. Triggers include coughing, sneezing, straining, vomiting, rubbing the eye, and minor trauma such as bumping or poking the eye. [1]
When should I see a doctor for a red eye?
See a doctor if the eye was injured, if you have eye pain or vision changes, or if the hemorrhages happen often, since recurring episodes may signal high blood pressure, diabetes, blood thinners, or a clotting condition.
Related Reading
Trusted External Resources
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye) - Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. September 19, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/subconjunctival-hemorrhage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353826
Mayo Clinic Staff. Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye) - Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. September 19, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/subconjunctival-hemorrhage/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353832
American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published September 8, 2026. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-subconjunctival-hemorrhage
Syed ZA. Subconjunctival Hemorrhages. Merck Manual Professional Version. Last updated April 2025. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/conjunctival-and-scleral-disorders/subconjunctival-hemorrhages
Hong IH, Cho BJ, Choi SH. Association between subconjunctival hemorrhage and hemorrhagic disorders: a nationwide population-based study. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):22237. PMID 38097669. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49428-z
Parikh AO, Christian CW, Forbes BJ, Binenbaum G. Prevalence and Causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in Children. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022;38(8):e1428-e1432. PMID 35696303. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000002795
Dhillon J, Nassrallah G, Nithianandan H, et al. Significance of subconjunctival hemorrhage in predicting ocular pathology for patients with orbital fracture. Can J Ophthalmol. 2023;58(4):295-301. PMID 35278371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjo.2022.02.003
Medical disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Comments