Condition

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Also known as Broken Blood Vessel in Eye, Blood Spot on Eye, Red Patch on Eye, Hyposphagma, Eye Hemorrhage

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye from a tiny broken surface blood vessel. It looks dramatic but is usually painless and harmless.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a small blood vessel breaks under the clear surface layer of the eye. The blood spreads over the white part of the eye and can look alarming, but vision is usually normal and pain is absent 1.

Common triggers include coughing, sneezing, straining, rubbing the eye, minor trauma, blood thinners, high blood pressure, and sometimes no clear cause. Risk-factor studies link subconjunctival hemorrhage with vascular and bleeding risks in some patients 2.

The red patch usually fades over 1-2 weeks like a bruise. Pain, vision loss, trauma, repeated episodes, or easy bleeding elsewhere changes the story and should be checked.

What To Do at Home

  • Do not rub the eye.
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears if it feels scratchy.
  • Check blood pressure if you have hypertension or the patch recurs.
  • Do not stop blood thinners unless the prescribing doctor tells you to.

When To Worry

Subconjunctival hemorrhage should not cause real pain, pus, or vision loss. Eye trauma, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, repeated episodes, or bleeding elsewhere needs medical evaluation.

Why It Can Recur

Repeated subconjunctival hemorrhage can happen with blood thinners, high blood pressure, eye rubbing, contact lens irritation, or bleeding problems. A nationwide cohort study also found vascular associations after subconjunctival hemorrhage, so recurrent cases deserve a broader health check 3.

Common Questions About Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Usually no if it is painless and vision is normal. It is like a bruise on the eye surface.

Next Steps

  1. 1Go to the emergency room or seek urgent eye care for injury, chemical splash, pain, light sensitivity, vision loss, or bleeding elsewhere.
  2. 2Use artificial tears if the eye feels scratchy.
  3. 3Check blood pressure if you have hypertension or repeated episodes.
  4. 4Book a routine visit if the red patch does not fade, keeps coming back, or you bruise/bleed easily.

Find specialists for Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Subconjunctival Hemorrhage.

Browse Comprehensive specialists