Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Diagnosis and Management

Definition and Characteristics

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when small blood vessels break under the conjunctiva, causing blood to accumulate between the conjunctiva and sclera, and it appears as a bright red patch on the white of the eye, which is commonly benign 1
The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that a subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically characterized by its location between the conjunctiva and sclera, not affecting the cornea, lens, or other structures critical for vision 1
The condition can be distinguished from other ocular conditions, such as hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, which can affect vision due to corneal involvement, as stated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends considering concurrent trauma affecting other eye structures if blurred vision occurs simultaneously with a subconjunctival hemorrhage 2
Severe conjunctivitis with corneal involvement can cause visual symptoms in patients with subconjunctival hemorrhage, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3
Unlike vitreous hemorrhage, which occurs inside the eye and can significantly impair vision, subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs outside the visual pathway, as noted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, although this fact is also mentioned in Praxis Medical Insights, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is the preferred source 4