Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that is used to line the inner surface of the eyelids folds and folds to cover the front surface of the eyeball. Consists of several small and fragile blood vessels. These are easily ruptured or broken. Due to this, blood leaks in the space between the conjunctiva and sclera. The conjunctiva cannot absorb this blood fast, so it is trapped under this transparent surface rather than the skin. This is called "subconjunctival hemorrhage". This appears bright red under the transparent conjunctiva. After some days, this becomes green or yellow. If the white part of the eye looks bright red, this means there is subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is also called red eye. Although, it looks very frightening, it is a harmless condition that disappears in 10 or 14 days. Many times it happens that such a hemorrhage takes place without injury to the eye or as a consequence of a strong sneeze or cough. This is not a very serious state if the vision is normal, there is absence of eye pain and the bleeding does not cover a large portion of the white of the eye. Also, it is important that it does not spread into the colored part of the eye. This condition disappears in two weeks. This is a painless and harmless state. The conjunctiva consists of three sections:

• palpebral conjunctiva (used to cover the posterior surface of the eyelids) : this is moderately thick
• bulbar conjunctiva (coats the anterior portion of the eyeball) : this is very thin
• fornix (the transition portion between the posterior eyelid and the eyeball)

The bulbar conjunctiva is movable and as it is clear, blood vessels can be easily seen.

Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

• Abdominal hernia
• Abdominal rigidity
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal distention
• Abdomen swelling
• Absence of thirst
• Abnormal tooth shape
• Abdominal sounds
• Amnesia
• Agitation
• Acute abdomen
• Anxiety
• Apraxia
• Apnea
• Anosmia
• Axillary abscess
• Autistic behavior
• Arthralgia
• Apprehension

Causes

• Blood dyscrasia
• Minor eye trauma
• coughing
• strenuous exercising
• sneezing
• vomiting
• severe hypertension
• Blood thinners
• severe alcohol intoxication
• Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis
• inflammation

Risk factors
Those who have high blood pressure or diabetes are at maximum risk. Also just born infants, who have undergone pressure changes during delivery are vulnerable. Blood thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin can raise the possibility of subconjunctival hemorrhage. Also, herbal supplements like garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, cayenne and St. John's wort enhance the possibility of bleeding by inhibiting the actions of platelets.

Diagnosis
The doctor has to diagnose subconjunctival hemorrhage by observing the eye. The blood pressure may be checked and a routine blood test will prove useful to determine whether there is a potential bleeding disorder.

Treatment
Eyedrops or artificial tears are used to relieve any scratching feeling in the eye. The blood gets absorbed in 10 to 14 days and there is no need of any other treatment. Recurrences can be avoided by taking vitamin C, 200 mg per day. This strengthens the walls of the little blood vessels. Grape seed extract or pycnogenol contain antioxidant pigments which produce the same result. If there is any pain accompanying the hemorrhage or any change in vision or a history of a bleeding disorder or high blood pressure, then the doctor must be consulted.