Eye bleeding, technically termed a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is a prevalent cause of a painless red eye. Often, it is first noticed by someone else or by the individual when they see their reflection. This condition arises when a small blood vessel in the sclera, the eye's white part, ruptures, releasing a minuscule amount of blood that becomes trapped under the conjunctiva. This is similar to how blood collects under the skin in a bruise. The term "subconjunctival hemorrhage" is used because it happens beneath the conjunctiva, the clear layer covering the sclera.Such a hemorrhage can be triggered by activities like heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or it may occur for no obvious reason. Though its appearance may be alarming, it is not harmful and doesn’t affect vision. There is no discharge from the eye, and the redness may change to a brown or green hue before everything returns to normal within three weeks as the blood is reabsorbed.Typically, no treatment is needed for a subconjunctival hemorrhage. However, if there are symptoms not typical of this condition, such as eye pain, changes in vision, persistence beyond three weeks, or recurrent bleeding, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Occasionally, medical conditions like bleeding disorders or the use of blood thinners, such as warfarin or Coumadin, can lead to these hemorrhages.
