Skip to content Despite its alarming appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless and does not affect vision. These hemorrhages can range in size from a small dot to covering a large portion of the white of the eye. They often resolve on their own without treatment, typically within one to two weeks.
2. Why Subconjunctival Hemorrhages Look So Scary but Rarely Are Dangerous
The conjunctiva contains numerous tiny blood vessels that can break easily. When they do, the blood becomes trapped under the clear conjunctiva, resulting in the characteristic red appearance. The eye’s white sclera provides a stark contrast, making the blood appear more pronounced and alarming.
However, these hemorrhages are usually painless and do not lead to any lasting damage or vision impairment. They are similar to a bruise on the skin and will eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
3. The Most Common Triggers in People in Their 60s and Older
In older adults, subconjunctival hemorrhages can happen due to increased fragility of blood vessels or due to minor trauma, such as rubbing the eye or sneezing.
