Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage
What is a Sub-conjunctival Haemorrhage?
A sub-conjunctival haemorrhage is where an eye looks red due
to a small bleed underneath the conjunctiva (the transparent
layer which lies over the white of the eye). It can look alarming
but usually causes no symptoms, and is usually harmless.
The redness can often look like it is getting worse before the
redness starts to clear, usually the eye clears within two weeks.
A sub-conjunctival haemorrhage is sometimes called ‘red eye’
due to its appearance.
What causes a sub-conjunctival haemorrhage?
The most common causes are;
• Coughing, sneezing, straining and nose blowing.
• A direct injury to the eye
• Forcefully rubbing the eye
• High blood pressure (use of anti-coagulants/blood thinning medication)
• Strenuous activities (like carrying heavy shopping bags or lifting heavy things)
• Can happen following an eye operation.
Signs and Symptoms of a Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage?
Signs are;
• A flat or slightly raised, bright red haemorrhage in the conjunctiva (the white of the eye).
• When somebody else notices it and draws your attention to the red eye.
Symptoms;
• Might have a mild popping sensation in the eye prior to observing the redness, but can
also be painless.
• Might have a mild foreign body sensation (like there is something in the eye) or an eye
ache.
• Does not affect your eyesight
• Can be symptom free.
What is the treatment for a Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage?
This condition usually does not require any treatment and will settle by itself (just like a bruise to
the body), usually within two weeks. If the eye is uncomfortable, lubricating eye drops may be
recommended (this can be from your local pharmacist or opticians).
You can carry on with your usual activities while the haemorrhage is healing. However, you
should tell the pharmacist, opticians or doctor if you;
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• Think you may of injured the eye (something may have got into the eye e.g. a foreign
body);
• Have noticed unexplained bleeding or bruising elsewhere on your body;
• Have not had your blood pressure checked recently;
• Have a blood condition such as lymphoma or leukaemia or are on chemotherapy for
cancer.
What should I do if I have a problem?
If you develop any of the symptoms featured in this leaflet, or need urgent advice about your
eye(s), please telephone (in the information please provide your hospital ‘X’ number (if known),
Name, Date of Birth and a contact telephone number) :
Main telephone number: 0300 131 4500
Bexhill Eye Clinic, Ext. 734370 during 09.00am and 17.00pm.
Eastbourne Eye Clinic, Ext. 144118 during 9.00am to 17.00pm.
For Out of Hours contact you may leave an answerphone message on the telephone numbers
above, and a member of staff will contact you the next working day. Otherwise if you feel you
need to be seen urgently, please attend your local Accident and Emergency Department.
Consent
Although you consent for this treatment, you may at any time after that withdraw such consent.
Please discuss this with your medical team.
Sources of information
Moorfields Eye Hospital (2018), Patient information leaflet – accident and emergency. Sub-
conjunctival haemorrhage. Accessed via www.moorsfields.nhs.uk (August 2019)
Patient info (2016), Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage. Accessed via www.patient.info/eye-
care/eye-problems/sub-conjunctival-haemorrhage (April 2019)
Important information
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is not provided to replace
professional clinical advice from a qualified practitioner.
Your comments
We are always interested to hear your views about our leaflets. If you have any comments,
please contact the Patient Experience Team – Tel: 0300 131 4731 or by email at: esh-
tr.patientexperience@nhs.net
Hand hygiene
The Trust is committed to maintaining a clean, safe environment. Hand hygiene is very
important in controlling infection. Alcohol gel is widely available at the patient bedside for staff
use and at the entrance of each clinical area for visitors to clean their hands before and after
entering.
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Other formats
If you require any of the Trust leaflets in alternative formats, such as large
print or alternative languages, please contact the Equality and Human
Rights Department.
Tel: 0300 131 4500 Email: esh-tr.AccessibleInformation@nhs.net
After reading this information are there any questions you would like to
ask? Please list below and ask your nurse or doctor.
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Reference
Written by: Janine Robus, Associate Practitioner, Ophthalmology
The following clinicians have been consulted and agreed this patient information:
Mr Pantelis Ioannidis (Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Governance Lead)
Mr Yih-Horng Tham (Consultant Ophthalmologist), Mr Saruben Pasu (Consultant
Ophthalmologist), Dr Frazer Peck (Specialist Trainee Ophthalmologist)
The directorate group that have agreed this patient information leaflet:
Enter name here, if appropriate
Next review date: October 2023
Responsible clinician/author: Janine Robus, Associate Practitioner, Ophthalmology
© East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - www.esht.nhs.uk
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