subconjunctival hemorrhage


subconjunctival hemorrhage

Ophthalmology A bright hemorrhagic patch on the bulbar conjunctiva caused by rupture and bleeding of a superficial small capillary, due to ↑ pressure–eg, violent sneezing or coughing; SHs occur in newborns as a bright red sickle-shaped hemorrhage at the margin of the cornea and conjunctiva, attributed to abrupt pressure changes over the infant's body during delivery
SUBCONJUNCTIVAL HEMORRHAGE

subconjunctival hemorrhage

Rupture of the superficial capillaries with associated hemorrhage into the subconjunctival space.

Etiology

Subconjunctival hemorrhage can result from blunt trauma to the eye or from increased intracranial or intraocular pressure.

Symptoms

Patients have visible bleeding between the sclera and the conjunctiva.

Treatment

A subconjunctival hemorrhage normally resolves within 1 to 7 days.

illustrationSee also: hemorrhage