Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image showing subconjunctival hemorrhage 
Broken blood vessel in eye

The most obvious sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white (sclera) of the eye. Despite its bloody appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage should cause no change in your vision, no discharge from your eye and no pain. Your only discomfort may be a scratchy feeling on the surface of your eye.

When to see a doctor
If a bright red patch appears on your eye or on the eye of your child, contact your doctor to be sure that the problem is not more serious than a subconjunctival hemorrhage. If you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages or other bleeding, talk to your doctor.

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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