|
Subconjunctival hemorrhage means that there is bleeding from a broken blood vessel underneath the conjunctiva, the transparent
membrane that covers the eyeball. Though it looks frightening, it is almost always harmless.
The amount of blood may be so small that at first it is barely noticeable. But later it can look like it's spreading, which may
alarm you. Rest assured that the amount of blood is not increasing. Think of pouring a teaspoon of red paint on a white kitchen counter and covering it with glass. T he paint spreads out under the glass,
which makes it look like more than there really is.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage will not affect your vision. There is no way this blood can enter the inside of your eye.
What Causes the Hemorrhage?
A small blood vessel may burst when you strain suddenly, such as when lifting something heavy, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or straining on
the toilet. Very rarely, the bleeding may be associated with a generalized bleeding tendency, such as in severe anemia.
Treatment
By the time you first see the hemorrhage, the bleeding has already stopped. The blood will gradually disappear by itself, but it may take as
long as two weeks to absorb completely.
You may be able to hasten the absorption process by using warm soaks (compresses) on the eye after the first 24 hours-but no sooner. Using
heat too soon risks more bleeding.
You shouldn't have any pain, but if your eye itches or feels irritated, you can use a decongestant eyedrop that can be purchased
over-the-counter.
|
