OpenHealth Q&A

Worsening Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Over Three Days

Hi everyone, I’m a 25-year-old female and generally in good health with no existing medical conditions. This issue is unfamiliar to me, and so far, I have not experienced any pain, discomfort, vision impairment, or any additional physical symptoms linked to the bleeding. I’m also not taking any medications. On Sunday, at around midnight, I felt the urge to rub my eye vigorously for some reason. When I woke up later, I noticed blood had pooled on the white part of my eye, specifically at the top, concealed by my eyelid. Throughout the day, the blood accumulation increased, forming a sizable red spot that covered about a quarter of my eye when viewed head-on. Later that evening, I lifted a heavy object, and within a few hours, the situation worsened considerably. Additionally, a small dark red spot, which seems like a movable blood clot, appeared in the center of the larger stain. I kept an eye on it until bedtime. On the second day, I awoke to find that the blood had spread to cover half of my eye in a darker shade. The clot remained, but there wasn’t significant change throughout the day. I started using cold compresses before going to sleep. Today marks the third day, and I noticed only slight improvement. I took precautions yesterday, avoiding any strenuous activities and maintaining my head elevated to help minimize blood flow to the area. I continued the cold compress regimen since last night, observing that the blood seems to fade in patches whenever the compress is applied. However, the discoloration returns once I cease applying it. I just stopped using the cold compress, and the previously faded patches are now visible again, which makes me believe they will soon reappear. What options do I have at home besides cold compresses? Visiting a doctor isn't feasible for me at the moment, and I suspect they would recommend simply waiting it out, so I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for potential at-home remedies. Thank you so much for your help!

Answers (1)

3/25/2025, 12:40:51 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is fairly common and usually harmless, especially since you have no pain or vision disturbances. Typically, these occur when small blood vessels break beneath the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye), often due to minor trauma like rubbing your eye or straining. While they can look alarming, they usually resolve on their own.

Here’s how you can manage the situation at home:

Explanation

A subconjunctival hemorrhage often self-resolves within one to two weeks without treatment. The discoloration is similar to a bruise and may change colors as it heals. Although cold compresses can help reduce swelling, they don’t speed up the healing process for the blood itself.

Next Steps

1. Continue Cold Compresses: You can keep using cold compresses as you have been. They may provide some soothing effects and help with any minor swelling. Apply for about 10-15 minutes a few times a day as needed.

2. Avoid Eye Strain: Try to refrain from rubbing your eyes and avoid heavy lifting or straining until the bleeding resolves. Protect your eyes from any further impacts.

3. Maintain Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support overall recovery.

4. Limit Screen Time: If possible, reduce screen time to avoid eye fatigue. Use breaks to give your eyes rest.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice any pain, significant vision changes, or if the bleeding doesn't show improvement in the coming days, you should reconsider seeking medical attention when feasible.

6. Patience in Healing: Remember that healing takes time, and the blood will gradually clear up.

If you have any changes or worsening symptoms, or if you find that this issue recurs frequently, it would be beneficial to seek medical advice when you can. Take care and let me know if you need further assistance!