Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a small bleed that happens under the clear skin that covers the white part of your eye, and this clear skin is called the conjunctiva, and when a tiny blood vessel breaks there, blood spreads out on top of the white part (the sclera) but stays trapped under the clear layer, so you see a bright red patch on the white of the eye even though the surface of the eye is smooth and the eye itself usually feels normal. This red patch looks dramatic because red blood sits against a white background, but the condition is usually harmless, and in most people it does not affect vision, it does not cause pain, and it heals by itself as the body slowly reabsorbs the blood over one to three weeks, changing color from bright red to brown, green, and then yellow before it fades away.
The bleed often happens from a simple trigger like a cough, a sneeze, a strain, or a light rub of the eye, because tiny surface vessels are fragile, and the pressure inside those vessels can jump for a moment and make a small vessel burst, and in people with high blood pressure, blood-thinning medicines, or a bleeding tendency, these small breaks can happen more easily.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks just under the clear surface that covers the white of your eye (the conjunctiva). The blood spreads out like a “paint splash,” making a bright red patch. It often looks dramatic, but it usually does not hurt, does not blur vision, and almost always clears on its own in about 1–2 weeks as the body reabsorbs the blood. During healing the red may turn brown, green, or yellow, like a fading bruise. Common triggers include coughing, sneezing, straining (lifting, constipation), rubbing the eye, minor trauma, or it may happen with no obvious cause. People on blood thinners or with high blood pressure get it more often. Mayo Clinic+1American Academy of OphthalmologyNCBIUHS

Why it happens

The conjunctiva has many tiny, fragile vessels. A sudden rise in pressure in the head and neck (a cough, sneeze, heavy lift, vomiting, or a Valsalva maneuver) can pop one of these vessels. Mild direct eye rubbing or a small injury can do the same. Some medicines (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, newer anticoagulants) and conditions like high blood pressure can make a bleed more likely or larger, but SCH can still be harmless and self-limited. Rarely, frequent or large SCH can signal a bleeding problem or significant trauma that needs medical attention. NCBIAmerican Academy of OphthalmologyUHS

Even though it looks like a serious eye bleed, the blood is only on the surface and not inside the eyeball, so it is very different from dangerous deep eye bleeding, and that is why most cases are safe to watch at home, while urgent care is needed only if you had trauma, if you have pain or vision loss, if the red area keeps growing fast, or if you bruise or bleed in other places at the same time.

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Types

1. Spontaneous or atraumatic type happens without a hit to the eye, and it often follows a cough, sneeze, strain, or sudden blood pressure rise, and it is the most common and usually harmless.

2. Traumatic type follows a direct injury, a poke, a fingernail scratch, a ball strike, an airbag, or a fall, and this type needs a careful eye exam because deeper injuries can hide under the red patch.

3. Valsalva-related type occurs after strong body pressure like heavy lifting, hard vomiting, severe coughing fits, or straining during bowel movements, because these actions sharply raise venous pressure in the head and neck and may pop a small conjunctival vessel.

4. Medication-related type appears in people taking blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel, because the blood has less ability to clot, so a tiny vessel break can spread a little more widely and look larger.

5. Systemic-disease-related type happens in people with conditions that increase bleeding or bruising, like uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with fragile small vessels, platelet problems, or bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease, and these cases can recur.

6. Contact lens-associated type appears after inserting, removing, or overwearing contact lenses, because the lens or a dry finger can rub and nick a surface vessel, especially if the eye is dry or irritated.

7. Post-procedure or postoperative type follows eye injections, eyelid surgery, cataract surgery, pterygium removal, laser procedures, or anesthesia injections around the eye, and it is expected and self-limited in many cases.

8. Diffuse or extensive type means the red patch covers a wider area, sometimes encircling the white of the eye, and while it can still be benign, a broad patch in someone on blood thinners or with trauma deserves extra attention.

9. Recurrent type means it keeps happening again and again, and this pattern suggests checking blood pressure, medicines, and lab tests to rule out a bleeding tendency.

10. Newborn and infant type can be seen after birth due to delivery stress or after a strong cough or vomiting illness in a child, and it usually looks alarming to parents but resolves on its own.

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Causes

1. Rubbing the eye or a small fingernail scratch can break a tiny surface vessel, especially if the eye is dry or itchy, and a bright red spot appears soon after.

2. Blunt eye or eyelid trauma from a ball, a fall, a toy, or an airbag can tear surface vessels and should be checked by an eye professional to rule out deeper injury.

3. Severe coughing raises the pressure in head and neck veins for a moment, and that surge can pop a small conjunctival vessel and cause a red patch.

4. Sneezing fits act like cough surges and can burst a fragile vessel, especially during allergy seasons when sneezing is frequent.

5. Vomiting increases chest and head pressure and can trigger a surface eye bleed right after an episode.

6. Straining during bowel movements (constipation) pushes pressure upward, and a small vessel can break under the conjunctiva.

7. Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise acts like a Valsalva maneuver, which spikes venous pressure and can break a small eye vessel.

8. High blood pressure makes small vessels stiffer and easier to break, and an unnoticed pressure spike can cause a bleed during daily activities.

9. Diabetes can make small blood vessels more fragile over time, so they can leak or break more easily with minor stress.

10. Blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants) such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or heparin reduce clotting, so a small leak spreads more under the clear layer and looks larger.

11. Antiplatelet medicines like aspirin and clopidogrel make platelets less sticky, so tiny vessel injuries bleed a little more and show up as red patches.

12. Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) reduce the body’s first step in stopping bleeding, so small leaks in the eye surface can happen easily and can be more widespread.

13. Bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease or hemophilia make clotting weak, and surface eye bleeds can be a visible clue.

14. Blood cancers or bone-marrow problems can change platelet counts or platelet function, so new or frequent subconjunctival bleeds can appear with easy bruising elsewhere.

15. Severe eye allergies and eye rubbing inflame and irritate the conjunctiva, and repetitive rubbing can rupture a small vessel.

16. Contact lens use can irritate or mechanically rub the surface, especially with tight lenses, dry eyes, or rough insertion and removal.

17. Eye surgery, laser, or injections can leave small surface bleeds that look alarming but usually heal by themselves over days to weeks.

18. Sudden pressure changes from forceful blowing, wind instrument playing, scuba diving, or barotrauma can raise venous pressure and break a surface vessel.

19. Viral illnesses with coughing or low platelets (for example, dengue or other viral infections) can either raise pressure with cough or reduce clotting and lead to surface eye bleeds.

20. Newborn delivery stress or choking episodes can create brief pressure spikes that show up as a red eye patch in infants or after a choking or gagging spell.

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Symptoms

1. A bright red patch on the white of the eye that you or someone else notices suddenly, often without a clear memory of an injury.

2. No pain in most cases, so the eye looks scary but does not hurt, which helps separate it from many other eye problems.

3. No change in vision in most cases, so you can usually see just as clearly as before, which is reassuring.

4. A mild scratchy or sandy feeling on the surface, because the clear skin is slightly irritated by the trapped blood.

5. A feeling of fullness or slight pressure without true pain, and this feeling fades as the blood spreads thinly and then gets absorbed.

6. Mild dryness or mild tearing as the eye surface reacts to the small bleed and to any rubbing you may have done.

7. No light sensitivity in most people, which helps tell it apart from more inflamed conditions like uveitis or corneal abrasion.

8. No discharge beyond normal tears, which helps distinguish it from infectious conjunctivitis that often has mucus or pus.

9. The red area may spread a little over the first day, not because it is “bleeding more,” but because the trapped blood thins and moves under the clear layer.

10. The color changes over time from bright red to brown, green, and yellow as the blood breaks down and is reabsorbed, similar to a fading bruise.

11. A slightly swollen eyelid in some people, especially after rubbing or after sleep, which settles as the day goes on.

12. A heavy or tired eye feeling that is more emotional than physical, because the dramatic look can make you worry or feel self-conscious.

13. No headache caused by the eye itself, although the cough or strain that started it may have caused a separate headache.

14. No fever due to the eye bleed, which helps separate it from infections that give whole-body symptoms.

15. Sometimes a small, well-defined red spot that stays limited and then clears, and sometimes a more spread-out patch that still follows the same gentle healing path.

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Diagnostic tests

A) Physical exam tests

1. External eye inspection with a bright light lets the clinician see that the blood lies under the clear surface layer and sits on the white part only, which confirms a surface bleed and not a deep one.

2. Eyelid eversion (turning the lid up gently) checks for a hidden eyelash, dust, or a small foreign body that could have scratched a vessel and started the bleed, and it also looks for signs of trauma.

3. Pupil light reaction test shines light to see if pupils react normally and equally, because a normal reaction supports a simple surface problem rather than deeper eye disease.

4. Eye movement testing looks up, down, and side to side to be sure moving the eyes is comfortable and coordinated, since pain with movement could suggest deeper problems after trauma.

5. Blood pressure measurement during the visit is a quick and important vital sign, because high blood pressure raises the risk of these surface bleeds and of other health problems that may need treatment.

B) Manual or bedside office tests

6. Visual acuity test (Snellen chart) checks how clearly you see each eye, and a normal result supports that the hemorrhage is only on the surface and not affecting vision.

7. Pinhole test uses a small pinhole to see if vision improves through it, which helps separate a surface irritation from deeper focusing problems, and normal vision here is reassuring.

8. Fluorescein staining of the cornea places a safe orange dye and uses blue light to look for scratches or wounds on the clear front window of the eye, because a scratch would hurt and may need different care.

9. Seidel test for wound leak uses the same dye to look for any stream of fluid that would suggest a small open wound after trauma, and a negative test is reassuring that the eye wall is intact.

10. Tonometry (measuring eye pressure) with a gentle device checks internal eye pressure, and a normal pressure supports a simple surface bleed, while high pressure could point to other conditions that need attention.

11. Direct ophthalmoscope exam of the retina allows a quick look inside the eye for bleeding or other trauma signs when the history suggests a hit to the eye, and a normal view supports a safe surface diagnosis.

C) Laboratory and pathological tests

12. Complete blood count (CBC) with platelets checks red cells, white cells, and platelet number, because low platelets can cause easy bleeding and may explain repeated or extensive eye surface bleeds.

13. Prothrombin time and INR measure the clotting pathway affected by warfarin and liver function, and an elevated INR explains why a small vessel break spread more widely and guides medicine adjustment.

14. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) checks a different clotting pathway and helps find bleeding disorders, which matters if bleeds are frequent or if you have other unexplained bruises.

15. Blood glucose and HbA1c look for diabetes and long-term sugar control, because diabetes can weaken small vessels and increase the risk of surface eye bleeds and other complications.

16. Platelet function tests or von Willebrand factor tests help when counts are normal but bleeding is still easy, because platelets may not work well or von Willebrand factor may be low, which changes treatment plans.

D) Electrodiagnostic tests (rarely needed)

17. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is not an eye test but may be used when the medical team evaluates blood-thinner needs in someone with atrial fibrillation or heart disease, because the decision to thin the blood affects bleeding risk, and knowing the heart rhythm helps balance stroke prevention with bleeding safety; this test is rarely needed just for a subconjunctival hemorrhage and is listed here for completeness.

E) Imaging tests

18. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and slit-lamp photography use a microscope and bright slit light to examine and sometimes photograph the conjunctiva closely, which documents the size and location of the bleed and checks for other surface problems.

19. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a non-contact scan that shows detailed layers at the front of the eye, and while not needed in typical cases, it can help document the exact plane of the bleed or look for subtle membrane changes in special situations.

20. Orbital imaging (ultrasound B-scan or CT) after significant trauma looks for deeper injuries such as orbital fractures, retrobulbar hemorrhage, or globe rupture when warning signs exist, because these serious problems need urgent treatment and cannot be seen just by surface inspection.

Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies and other measures)

SCH almost always gets better without any medicine. These comfort and safety steps help while it clears.

1. Reassurance and watchful waiting.
   Purpose: Reduce worry; avoid unnecessary treatment.
   Mechanism: The body naturally reabsorbs the blood in ~1–2 weeks. Mayo Clinic

2. Stop eye rubbing.
   Purpose: Prevent re-bleeding and irritation.
   Mechanism: Reduces mechanical stress on fragile surface vessels. American Academy of Ophthalmology

3. Cold compresses for the first 24–48 hours.
   Purpose: Comfort; may reduce mild swelling.
   Mechanism: Cold causes surface vasoconstriction and can soothe the eye.

4. Warm compresses after 48 hours (optional).
   Purpose: Comfort as the “bruise” resolves.
   Mechanism: Gentle heat may promote local circulation for cleanup of old blood (evidence limited but reasonable comfort measure).

5. Head elevation when resting.
   Purpose: Reduce dependent congestion.
   Mechanism: Gravity helps fluid and blood products drain away from the eye.

6. Gentle eyelid hygiene if crusting/irritation.
   Purpose: Keep lids clean and comfortable.
   Mechanism: Warm water/lid wipes reduce debris that can trigger rubbing.

7. Pause contact lens wear until the eye looks and feels normal.
   Purpose: Avoid extra friction and irritation.
   Mechanism: A bare eye heals more comfortably and safely. Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

8. Avoid heavy lifting/straining for a few days.
   Purpose: Lower the risk of a new bleed.
   Mechanism: Prevents sharp venous pressure spikes (Valsalva). NCBI

9. Humidifier and steam inhalation for coughs/colds.
   Purpose: Soften cough/sneeze triggers.
   Mechanism: Moist air soothes airways and may reduce coughing fits.

10. Fiber-rich diet and extra fluids for constipation.
    Purpose: Avoid straining on the toilet.
    Mechanism: Softer stools reduce Valsalva-type pressure spikes. NCBI

11. Protective eyewear for sports/work.
    Purpose: Prevent minor trauma.
    Mechanism: Shields the eye from direct impact/scratches. NCBI

12. Check blood pressure.
    Purpose: Find and manage undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension.
    Mechanism: Treating high BP lowers recurrence risk. UHS

13. Review blood-thinner use with your clinician (do not stop on your own).
    Purpose: Ensure the dose/need is appropriate.
    Mechanism: Adjusting therapy when medically indicated may reduce recurrence. NCBI

14. Sneeze/cough etiquette (mouth slightly open, don’t “stifle”).
    Purpose: Lower head/neck pressure spikes.
    Mechanism: Lets pressure vent instead of surging into eye veins. NCBI

15. Screen for eye surface injuries after trauma.
    Purpose: Rule out abrasions or lacerations that may need different care.
    Mechanism: A clinician’s slit-lamp exam distinguishes SCH from other injuries. UpToDate+1

16. Allergy control (environmental).
    Purpose: Reduce itch and rubbing.
    Mechanism: Limiting allergens (dust, pets, pollen) lowers the urge to rub.

17. Sun/UV protection.
    Purpose: Comfort; may reduce irritation that prompts rubbing.
    Mechanism: Sunglasses block wind/UV glare.

18. Take periodic screen breaks (20-20-20 rule).
    Purpose: Reduce dryness and rubbing from eye strain.
    Mechanism: More frequent blinking stabilizes the tear film. UpToDate

19. Photograph the eye once daily.
    Purpose: Track improvement; reduces anxiety.
    Mechanism: Visible day-to-day fading is reassuring.

20. Know the red flags (seek care promptly; see list below).
    Purpose: Safety.
    Mechanism: Early evaluation rules out deeper problems if symptoms aren’t typical. Mayo Clinic

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Drug treatments

Most people need no medicine. When drugs are used, they are for comfort or for underlying triggers, not for the blood itself. Always follow package labels and ask a clinician if you have medical conditions, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take other medicines.

1. Artificial tears (lubricating eye drops)
   Class: Ocular lubricants (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose, HPMC, PEG).
   Dose/Time: 1 drop in the affected eye(s) up to 4–6×/day as needed; nighttime gel/ointment if scratchy.
   Purpose: Soothe mild irritation or foreign-body sensation.
   Mechanism: Stabilizes the tear film and reduces friction over the area.
   Side effects: Brief blur or stinging; preservative sensitivity in some. Mayo Clinic

2. Lubricating gel/ointment (bedtime)
   Class: Ocular lubricant ointments.
   Dose/Time: Small ribbon to lower lid at bedtime for 2–5 nights if gritty.
   Purpose/Mechanism: Longer-lasting surface protection.
   Side effects: Temporary blur; stickiness.

3. Topical antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer (if allergies drive rubbing)
   Class: Dual-action anti-allergy drops (e.g., olopatadine, ketotifen).
   Dose/Time: Usually 1 drop once or twice daily during allergy flares.
   Purpose: Reduce itch and rubbing, lowering re-bleed risk.
   Mechanism: Blocks histamine and stabilizes mast cells on the ocular surface.
   Side effects: Mild sting; rare dryness or headache. UpToDate

4. Antibiotic ointment (only if there is a surface abrasion or laceration)
   Class: Topical ophthalmic antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin ointment).
   Dose/Time: Thin ribbon 3–4×/day for 3–5 days if an abrasion/laceration is present. Not routine for simple SCH.
   Purpose: Prevent infection in actual surface injury.
   Mechanism: Reduces bacterial load on the injured area.
   Side effects: Temporary blur; rare allergy. UpToDate

5. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) for discomfort
   Class: Analgesic/antipyretic.
   Dose/Time: Typical OTC adult dosing per label; avoid exceeding max daily dose.
   Purpose: Relieve mild aching if present.
   Mechanism: Central analgesic effect.
   Side effects: Rare at label doses; overdose harms liver. Avoid routine NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen) if you’re prone to bleeding unless a clinician says otherwise. NCBI

6. Antihypertensives (for diagnosed high BP)
   Class: Various (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, thiazides, etc.).
   Dose/Time: Prescribed individually by a clinician.
   Purpose: Control blood pressure, reducing recurrence risk.
   Mechanism: Lowers vascular stress that can predispose to SCH.
   Side effects: Vary by class; require medical supervision. UHS

7. Medication review/adjustment for blood thinners
   Class: Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel).
   Dose/Time: Do not stop on your own. A clinician may adjust if SCH is frequent or unusually large and if safe for your condition.
   Purpose/Mechanism: Balances bleeding risk with clot-prevention needs.
   Side effects: Adjustments can affect clot/bleed risk; medical oversight required. NCBI

8. Stool softener if constipation causes straining
   Class: Laxatives (e.g., docusate; or osmotics like PEG 3350).
   Dose/Time: As per label for several days if needed.
   Purpose: Prevent Valsalva from hard stools.
   Mechanism: Softer stools reduce pressure spikes.
   Side effects: Bloating, cramps in some users. NCBI

9. Cough control (if severe coughing fits)
   Class: Antitussives/expectorants (e.g., dextromethorphan, guaifenesin) as appropriate.
   Dose/Time: Per label for short periods; see a clinician if cough persists.
   Purpose/Mechanism: Fewer violent coughs → fewer venous pressure surges.
   Side effects: Drowsiness or dizziness with some products; interactions possible. NCBI

10. Topical decongestant “redness-relief” drops (generally not recommended)
    Class: Ocular vasoconstrictors (e.g., naphazoline).
    Dose/Time: If used for a cosmetic event, use sparingly and short-term only; avoid routine use.
    Purpose/Mechanism: Temporarily whitens by constricting surface vessels; does not speed healing.
    Side effects: Rebound redness and irritation with regular use; not a treatment for SCH itself. Most experts advise against them for this purpose. UpToDate

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Dietary “molecular” supplements

No supplement is required to heal SCH. If you choose supplements, use them to support general eye and blood-vessel health, not to “treat” the red patch. Discuss with your clinician, especially if you take blood thinners.

1. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — 75–90 mg/day (RDA; food-first is best).
   Function/Mechanism: Collagen synthesis and capillary integrity; deficiency can cause fragile vessels. May support healing; does not “erase” SCH. Citrus, berries, peppers are excellent sources.

2. Bioflavonoids (e.g., hesperidin/rutin) — evidence limited.
   Dose: As on product labels or via citrus/berries.
   Function/Mechanism: Antioxidant polyphenols that may support capillary strength; human evidence for SCH is sparse.

3. Vitamin K (dietary intake unless deficient).
   Dose: Food-first (leafy greens); supplements only with medical guidance if you use warfarin.
   Function/Mechanism: Coagulation factor carboxylation—not to “thicken” blood indiscriminately; only correct deficiency.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil or diet).
   Dose: Dietary fish 2×/week; supplement per label if used.
   Function/Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory tear-film support for comfort; not a specific SCH therapy. Can affect bleeding time—ask your clinician if you’re on anticoagulants.

5. Magnesium (dietary).
   Function: Bowel regularity support via diet (nuts, legumes, whole grains) can reduce straining/Valsalva.

6. Psyllium (fiber supplement) — if diet is low in fiber.
   Dose: As per label with water.
   Function/Mechanism: Softer stools → less straining.

7. Hydration (water is a “supplement” worth remembering).
   Function/Mechanism: Optimizes mucosal comfort and reduces eye rubbing from dryness.

8. Lutein/zeaxanthin (for overall eye health).
   Function: Macular health; no direct SCH effect, but nutritionally supportive.

9. Zinc (dietary range).
   Function: General wound-healing cofactor; avoid excessive dosing.

10. Probiotics (optional).
    Function/Mechanism: Gut regularity for those with constipation-related straining; indirect benefit only.

(These are supportive ideas; none of the above are proven to speed SCH resolution. The main “treatment” remains time and reassurance. Mayo Clinic+1)

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Regenerative,” or “stem cell drugs” for SCH

There are no approved immune-booster drugs, regenerative drugs, or stem-cell drugs used to treat subconjunctival hemorrhage. SCH is a superficial bruise on the eye’s surface that clears by itself. Marketing claims suggesting special injections, stem cells, or “strong immunity drugs” to make the red patch disappear are not evidence-based and should be avoided. If you see persistent or recurrent SCH, the right next step is a medical check (blood pressure, medication review, bleeding tests if indicated), not unproven therapies. Mayo Clinic+1NCBI

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Procedures/surgeries

Routine SCH needs no surgery. Procedures are for injuries or lesions that happen with or behind the SCH.

1. Conjunctival laceration repair
   Why done: If a cut on the eye surface is present after trauma.
   What it is: Cleaning and suturing the conjunctival tear; antibiotic protection as needed. UpToDate

2. Repair of globe rupture or penetrating injury (emergency)
   Why done: If a serious injury caused the SCH and the eyeball is open/damaged.
   What it is: Urgent surgery to close the eye and prevent vision loss. NCBI

3. Excision/cautery of a bleeding conjunctival lesion
   Why done: If a fragile lesion (e.g., pyogenic granuloma) keeps bleeding and causing SCH.
   What it is: Remove or cauterize the lesion to stop recurrent bleeds. EyeWiki

4. Lid laceration repair
   Why done: If trauma involves the eyelids with ongoing bleeding into the eye surface.
   What it is: Layered closure and hemostasis to stop further bleeding. UpToDate

5. Foreign-body removal and surface rehab
   Why done: If a surface foreign body or abrasion caused the bleed and irritation.
   What it is: Slit-lamp removal, lubrication, and protective care. UpToDate

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Prevention tips

1. Manage blood pressure with lifestyle and, if prescribed, medicines. UHS

2. Don’t rub your eyes; treat allergies so they don’t itch. UpToDate

3. Use protective eyewear for sports, DIY, and at-risk jobs. NCBI

4. Avoid straining: hydrate, eat fiber-rich foods, and address constipation. NCBI

5. Treat coughs/colds and don’t “stifle” sneezes. NCBI

6. Review blood-thinner therapy with your clinician if SCH is frequent (never stop on your own). NCBI

7. Limit contact lens wear during irritation and follow lens hygiene rules. Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

8. Take screen breaks and blink often to reduce dryness and rubbing. UpToDate

9. Keep chronic conditions (diabetes, vascular disease) under good control. UpToDate

10. Seek eye protection and prompt care after any eye trauma. NCBI

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When to see a doctor

• Immediately if you have eye pain, light sensitivity, discharge, blurry vision, a change in pupil/iris shape, or blood inside the eye (a reddish fluid level). These are not typical for simple SCH. Mayo Clinic

• Promptly if the SCH follows trauma (especially high-speed debris/metal) or you wear contact lenses and the eye feels injured. UpToDate

• Soon if the red area recurs often, covers most of the white, or if you take blood thinners or have high blood pressure and have not had a recent check. A clinician may check your blood pressure and, if needed, bleeding tests. UHSNCBI

• Anytime you’re worried—an eye-care professional can confirm it’s benign and reassure you. American Academy of Ophthalmology

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What to eat and what to avoid

What to eat:

1. Vitamin-C-rich foods (citrus, berries, kiwi, peppers) to support healthy vessel walls.

2. Leafy greens (dietary vitamin K) for normal clotting—food-first, especially if you’re not on warfarin.

3. Fish twice per week (omega-3s) to support surface comfort and general vascular health.

4. High-fiber foods (whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables) to prevent straining.

5. Plenty of water for overall hydration and comfort.

What to limit/avoid:

6. Excess alcohol and high-salt diets that worsen blood pressure.

7. Very spicy foods if they make you sneeze/cough a lot (temporary irritation).

8. Energy drinks/very high caffeine if they make you rub your eyes or strain.

9. Supplements that increase bleeding tendency (e.g., high-dose fish oil, ginkgo) if you’re on blood thinners—ask your clinician first.

10. Tobacco smoke exposure—irritates eyes and promotes rubbing.

(These habits do not “cure” SCH; they support comfort and prevention of triggers. Mayo Clinic+1)

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Frequently asked questions

1. How long will it last?
   Usually 1–2 weeks. It fades like a bruise and changes color as it clears. Mayo Clinic

2. Will it damage my sight?
   Not if it’s a simple SCH. Vision stays normal. If vision changes, get checked. Mayo Clinic

3. Does it mean my blood pressure is high?
   High BP can be a risk factor, but not always the cause. It’s smart to check your BP. UHS

4. I’m on a blood thinner—what should I do?
   Do not stop it on your own. Talk to your clinician about risks/benefits if SCH recurs. NCBI

5. Do I need antibiotic drops?
   Not for a routine SCH. Antibiotics are only for an abrasion/laceration or infection. UpToDate

6. Do redness-relief drops help?
   They can whiten temporarily but don’t speed healing and can cause rebound redness—generally avoid for SCH. UpToDate

7. Can I keep wearing contact lenses?
   It’s safer to pause until the eye looks and feels normal; then resume with good hygiene. Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

8. Why did it happen after a sneeze or workout?
   Those actions spike venous pressure briefly and can pop a tiny vessel. NCBI

9. Is it contagious?
   No. It’s a bruise, not an infection.

10. Can stress cause it?
    Stress itself doesn’t, but stress-related habits (eye rubbing, poor sleep, constipation) can contribute indirectly.

11. Will it come back?
    It can, especially with risk factors (hypertension, blood thinners, frequent Valsalva). Prevention steps can help. NCBI

12. Should I use warm or cold compresses?
    Cold in the first 24–48 hours for comfort; warm later if it feels soothing.

13. Do vitamins make it go away faster?
    No strong evidence. A healthy diet supports vessels, but time does the healing. Mayo Clinic

14. Could it be something serious?
    Rarely, especially after trauma or if pain/vision changes are present. Seek care with any red flags. Mayo Clinic

15. Can surgery fix it quickly?
    There’s no surgery for simple SCH; it clears on its own. Procedures are only for associated injuries or bleeding lesions. UpToDateNCBI

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: August 26, 2025.