Subconjunctival haemorrhage

Question 1

define subconjunctival haemorrhage

Answer 1

relatively common condition where one of the small blood vessels of the conjunctiva ruptures and releases blood into the space between the sclera and the conjunctiva

Question 2

when do people get subconjunctival haemorrhage 4

Answer 2

after episodes of strenous activity:
-heavy coughing
-weight lifting
-straining when constipated

also can be due to trauma

Question 3

whilst subconjunctival haemorrhage is mostly idiopathic what conditions can predispose someone to it 5

Answer 3

HTN

bleeding disorders- thrombocytopenia

whooping cough

medications (warfarin, NOACs, antiplatelets)

non-accidental injury

Question 4

presentaion of subconjunctival haemorrhage 2

Answer 4

patch of bright red blood underneath conjunctiva and in front of the sclera covering the white of the eye

does not affect vision and is painless

Question 5

management of subconjunctival haemorrhage 3

Answer 5

harmless

resolve spontaneously without treatment
-usually takes around 2 weeks

if a possible systemic cause investigate further (ie HTN and bleeding disorders)

if foreign body sensation
-lubricating eye drops can help with syx