Subconjunctival Haemorrhage: Bright Red Spot on the Eye
Quick answer: A subconjunctival haemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye caused by a small burst blood vessel under the conjunctiva. It usually follows coughing, sneezing, straining, rubbing or minor injury, is painless, does not affect vision, and clears by itself in about one to three weeks. See a doctor if it follows a significant injury, keeps recurring, or comes with pain or vision changes.
Noticed this in your own eyes? Book an eye examination (NPR 400) with an optometrist at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari. WhatsApp +977 9841466716.
Related service: Comprehensive eye examination (NPR 400) at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari.
What it looks like
The patch is flat, bright red and sharply edged, and may look alarming. As it heals it can spread and turn yellow, like a bruise. There is usually no discharge, pain or blurred vision.
Common causes
- Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or heavy lifting
- Rubbing the eye or contact lens handling
- Minor injury
- High blood pressure
- Blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin
- Sometimes no cause is found
What to do
No treatment is needed for a typical haemorrhage. Lubricating drops can ease mild scratchiness. Avoid rubbing the eye. If you take blood thinners or have high blood pressure, mention the haemorrhage to your doctor, especially if it recurs.
When to get urgent care
Get same-day care if it followed a blow to the eye or head, if there is pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision, if blood covers the coloured part of the eye, or if you have bleeding elsewhere or easy bruising.
How Vision Concern can help
Vision Concern optometrists in Kathmandu can examine your eyes, record what they find for comparison, update your glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye hospital when medical treatment is needed. Vision Concern does not perform surgery or injections.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a subconjunctival haemorrhage take to go away?
Usually one to two weeks; larger ones can take up to three weeks.
Is a burst blood vessel in the eye serious?
Usually not. It is a common, harmless bleed under the surface, but recurring bleeds or those after injury need checking.
Can I wear contact lenses?
Wait until any irritation settles, and remove lenses if the eye feels uncomfortable.
This guide is general information from the Vision Concern editorial team. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an eye examination or medical advice.
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