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Subconjunctival Haemorrhage
Scope
A subconjunctival haemorrhage is caused by a bleeding blood vessel under the conjunctiva. Patients may not have noticed any symptoms. Subconjunctival haemorrhages usually have no cause but may occur after coughing or vomiting excessively. They can also be caused by mild trauma.
It is not usually necessary to refer isolated subconjunctival haemorrhage.
Signs and Symptoms
- Usually asymptomatic
- Patients may describe a mild popping sensation in the eye prior to observing the redness
- Mild foreign body sensation, ache or symptoms of dry eyes
- Flat, bright red haemorrhage of the conjunctiva
- Review use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants
- Check blood pressure
- If no history of trauma, no treatment is required; reassure patient that the haemorrhage will resolve over the course of 1-2 weeks
- Associated dry eye can be treated with lubricants (Tear deficiency, ocular lubricants, and astringents) – please note that most products can be purchased over the counter at a cost less than the prescription charge
Referral Criteria
- If there is a history of significant trauma, consider referral Immediately.
- It is not usually necessary to refer isolated subconjunctival haemorrhage.
Referral instructions
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Clinic Type: Not Otherwise Specified
Service: DRSS-South Devon & Torbay-Ophthalmology-Optom Only- Devon ICB- 15N
If emergency – send direct to local hospital
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off by NHS Devon
Publication date: May 2022
