Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

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A subconjunctival haemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye. A tiny blood vessel under the thin clear skin of the eye (the conjunctiva) has leaked. It looks alarming, but it is usually painless, does not affect vision and clears by itself in one to three weeks, like a bruise.

Common causes

• Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, straining or heavy lifting
• Rubbing the eye or a minor knock
• High blood pressure, diabetes or blood-thinning medicines (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, newer anticoagulants)
• Often no cause is found

What to expect

The patch may spread a little over the first day and then fade from red to yellow at the edges, just like a skin bruise. It does not need treatment. Lubricating drops can help if the eye feels slightly scratchy. Do not stop any prescribed blood thinner without asking the doctor who prescribed it.

Check your blood pressure

If you are over 40 or have had more than one bleed, have your blood pressure checked. If you take warfarin, your INR may need checking. Repeated bleeds without a reason are worth discussing with your doctor.

See an eye doctor the same day if

• It followed an injury, especially a blow from a ball, stick or fist
• There is pain, reduced vision or sensitivity to light
• Blood is inside the coloured part or the black of the eye (not just on the white)
• It keeps happening, or you also bruise or bleed easily elsewhere
• The whole white of the eye is red after an injury and the eye looks swollen

Frequently asked questions

Related: Red Eye, Eye Injury & Emergency Treatment Ahmedabad, Conjunctivitis (Red Eye): Home Care and When to Return to School or Work.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.