A subconjunctival hemorrhage is similar to an ordinary bruise on the skin — it's like a
bruise of the eye. It usually appears as a single, concentrated spot of red, or many
scattered red splotches, on the white of the eye. The redness is blood under the
conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the white of the eye (called the sclera) and
the inner eyelids.
Seeing a subconjunctival hemorrhage on your eye can be alarming. Yet it is actually a
common minor occurrence. It is almost always harmless and will heal on its own. It does
not affect vision and generally does not cause pain. There are usually no sensations or
symptoms, other than the appearance of the red spot. In fact, you may not even be
aware that you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until someone points it out or you
look in the mirror.
Treatment of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is not necessary. Over time, the blood spot
will slowly disappear, clearing up on its own. This may take days or weeks, depending
on the size of the blood spot. Occasionally artificial tears can make your eye feel more
comfortable.
