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Subconjunctival hemorrhage

 
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

 
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Subconjunctival hemorrhage
 
 
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A subconjunctival hemorrhage (or subconjunctival haemorrhage) is bleeding underneath the conjunctiva
Conjunctiva

The conjunctiva is a clear mucous membrane consisting of cells and underlying basement membrane that covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids....
. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken. When this happens, blood leaks into the space between the conjunctiva and sclera
Sclera

The sclera, also known as the white of the eye, is the opaque , fibrous, protective, outer layer of the eye containing collagen and elastic fibers....
.

Whereas a bruise
Bruise

A bruise, also called a contusion, is an injury to biological tissue in which the capillary are damaged, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissue....
 typically appears black or blue underneath the skin
Skin

The skin is the outer covering of the body, also known as the epidermis. It is the largest organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of epithelial biological tissue, and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and organ s....
, a subconjunctival hemorrhage initially appears bright red underneath the transparent conjunctiva.






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Eye Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage (or subconjunctival haemorrhage) is bleeding underneath the conjunctiva
Conjunctiva

The conjunctiva is a clear mucous membrane consisting of cells and underlying basement membrane that covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids....
. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken. When this happens, blood leaks into the space between the conjunctiva and sclera
Sclera

The sclera, also known as the white of the eye, is the opaque , fibrous, protective, outer layer of the eye containing collagen and elastic fibers....
.

Whereas a bruise
Bruise

A bruise, also called a contusion, is an injury to biological tissue in which the capillary are damaged, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissue....
 typically appears black or blue underneath the skin
Skin

The skin is the outer covering of the body, also known as the epidermis. It is the largest organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of epithelial biological tissue, and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and organ s....
, a subconjunctival hemorrhage initially appears bright red underneath the transparent conjunctiva. Later the hemorrhage may spread and become green or yellow, like a bruise. Usually this disappears within 2 weeks.

Although its appearance may be alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is generally a painless and harmless condition; however, it may be associated with high blood pressure, or trauma
Physical trauma

Physical trauma refers to a body injury. A trauma patient is someone who has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury with the potential for secondary complications such as Shock , respiratory failure and death....
 to the eye
Eye

Eyes are Organ that detect light, and send signals along the optic nerve to the visual system and other areas of the brain. Complex optical systems with resolving power have come in ten fundamentally different forms, and 96% of animal species possess a complex optical system....
.

Causes

  • Minor eye trauma
  • Spontaneously with increased venous pressure
  • Strenuous Exercising
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting
  • Touching/widening eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Pulling extreme g-forces
  • Choking
    Choking

    Choking is the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs. Choking prevents breathing, and can be partial or complete, with partial choking allowing some,...
  • Straining


  • Blood dyscrasia
    Dyscrasia

    Dyscrasia, is a concept from ancient Greek medicine with the word "dyskrasia", meaning bad mixture....
     (rare)
  • Severe hypertension
    Hypertension

    Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated....
Leptospirosis
  • LASIK
    LASIK

    LASIK or Lasik is a type of refractive surgery laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism ....
  • Blood thinners, such as ginger, capsaicin, ginseng, garlic, aspirin, or Herba if taken in high doses or combined. These can also make the vessels in the eye more susceptible to the pressure causes listed above.
  • Diving accidents-Mask Squeeze (volume inside in mask creates increased pressure with increased depth)
  • Severe thoracic trauma, leading to increased pressure in the extremities, including around the eyes.


Subconjunctival hemorrhages in infants may be associated with scurvy
Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, which is required for the synthesis of collagen in humans. The chemical name for vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is derived from the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus....
 (a vitamin C deficiency),, abuse
Child abuse

Child abuse is the physical abuse, psychological abuse or child sexual abuse maltreatment of children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines child maltreatment as any act or series of acts or commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child....
 or traumatic asphyxia syndrome .

Treatment and management

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically a self-limiting condition that requires no treatment in the absence of infection or significant trauma. The elective use of aspirin
Aspirin

Aspirin , also known as acetylsalicylic acid , is a salicylate medication, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication....
 and NSAIDs is typically discouraged.

A common symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, itchy eyes, is often treated by applying eye drops or artificial tears to the affected eye(s), however, this is discouraged, as it may slow down the healing process.

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