Written by: Dr. Stephanie Mulick, O.D.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage: Looks worse than it really is.

A Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a medical term for a broken blood vessel in the eye or a bruise of the eye. The blood vessel breaks and blood spreads out making the sclera or the white of the eye look red, scary! No, it really isn’t as scary as it looks. The blood will spread out over time often making it look worse before it looks better. But do not fear, it is just like having a bruise on your skin except for this time you can see the blood. Give it a week or two depending on how large it is. 

 

How to treat broken blood vessels on the eye:

Unfortunately, there is really no treatment for a subconjunctival hemorrhage. All you have is time on your side and eventually, it will get better. You can use artificial tears to lubricate your eye and even a cold compress, but again the bruise will just have to run its course. 

 

Causes of a subconjunctival hemorrhage or broken blood vessel on the eye:

• Blood thinners such as aspirin, Aleve, Advil or prescription blood thinners
• Coughing or sneezing
• Heavy lifting
• Straining
• Constipation
• Eye rubbing
• Trauma
• High dose fish oil or turmeric can decrease blood clotting

 

Conclusion:

A subconjunctival hemorrhage or broken blood vessel of the eye, is simply just a bruise of the eye, requiring no treatment.