The front, white part of the eye, known as the sclera, is covered by a transparent membrane called the conjunctiva.  The conjunctiva has a rich blood supply.  A sub-conjunctival haemorrhage occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak, causing a small amount of blood to gather between the sclera and conjunctiva.  Because these membranes are transparent this condition looks very serious, but it is not.  It will not interfere with your sight.  This is the same process which causes bruising, which is a small bleed in between the layers of the skin.

Symptoms

The eye will look very bloodshot and you may have a feeling of ‘tightness’ in the affected eye.

Causes

• Coughing, knocking your eye, or rubbing it extremely hard.

• Diabetes or high blood pressure

• Aspirin or warfarin

Practically all sub-conjunctival haemorrhages occur for no reason.  In most cases it does not mean you have an illness or eye condition.

Treatment

• No treatment is required

• You can use artificial tear drops if there is any discomfort or feeling of tightness. These are available from your chemist without a prescription and are used on an ‘as required’ basis

• The bloodshot appearance should go in 7 to 14 days

• Do not worry about the appearance of your eye. You may continue your usual activities.

Seek medical attention again if:

• Your eye becomes painful.

• Your vision changes.

• The red patch does not disappear within 3 weeks.