Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

People with diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension) tend to be more at risk. The condition can also occur among newborns, who may be subjected to pressure changes during delivery.

Certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin and aspirin, can increase your risk of subconjunctival hemorrhage.

In addition, some herbal supplements, such as ginkgo, may increase the potential for bleeding in the eye. Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking any herbal supplements.

References
  1. Ahmed RM. Diagnosis and management of the acute red eye. American Journal of Medicine. 2008;26(2008):35-55.
  2. Crouch ER, et al. Ophthalmology. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108404788-3/763978783/1481/594.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50055-5--cesec20_3634. Accessed Oct. 24, 2008.
  3. Trauma: Evaluating the traumatized eye. In: Noble J, et al. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108404788-3/763978783/959/1143.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-00828-3..50178-3--cesec123_5625. Accessed Oct. 24, 2008.
  4. Fraunfelder FW. Ocular side effects from herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2004;138(4):639-648.

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Jan. 15, 2009

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