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.[4]

• 
  (Top) A stress induced subconjunctival bleeding in the left eye one week after hemorrhaging.
• 
  Subconjunctival bleeding viewed through a slit lamp biomicroscope
• 
  Subconjunctival bleeding in the left eye 48 hours after the onset of hemorrhaging.

• 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)
• Head injury
• Whooping cough or other extreme sneezing or coughing[2]
• Severe hypertension
• LASIK
• Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (caused by Enterovirus 70 or Coxsackie A virus)
• Leptospirosis
• Ebola
• Increased venous pressure (e.g., extreme g-force, straining, vomiting, choking, or coughing)[2][3] 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),[5][6] abuse or traumatic asphyxia syndrome.[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. The elective use of aspirin and NSAIDs is typically discouraged. Artificial tears may be applied four to six times a day if the eye feels dry or scratchy .[8]