Eye
Medicines for Subconjunctival haemorrhage
A harmless bright red patch on the white of the eye from a tiny burst blood vessel — alarming to look at but usually painless and clearing on its own.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Subconjunctival haemorrhage?
A subconjunctival haemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye, caused by a tiny blood vessel bursting just beneath the clear surface layer (conjunctiva). It often appears suddenly and can look dramatic, but it is usually completely harmless, does not affect vision, and is typically painless (though the eye may feel slightly gritty).
- How it is treated: A subconjunctival haemorrhage usually needs no treatment and clears on its own within a week or two, like a bruise, so reassurance is the main "treatment".
- Self-care: No specific action is usually needed.
- When to seek help: A painless red patch on the white of the eye with normal vision usually needs no treatment.
What it is
A subconjunctival haemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye, caused by a tiny blood vessel bursting just beneath the clear surface layer (conjunctiva). It often appears suddenly and can look dramatic, but it is usually completely harmless, does not affect vision, and is typically painless (though the eye may feel slightly gritty). It can happen for no obvious reason, or be triggered by coughing, sneezing, straining, vomiting, rubbing the eye, or minor injury; it is more common in people on blood-thinning medicines and can be associated with high blood pressure. Like a bruise, the red patch fades over one to two weeks, sometimes changing colour as it clears. Recurrent episodes may prompt a check of blood pressure or clotting.
How it is treated
A subconjunctival haemorrhage usually needs no treatment and clears on its own within a week or two, like a bruise, so reassurance is the main "treatment". If the eye feels gritty, lubricating drops can ease discomfort. There is no need to restrict activity. Because it is harmless in itself, the main considerations are checking for any contributing factor if episodes are recurrent — such as reviewing blood pressure or, in people on blood thinners, ensuring these are at the right level — and making sure it is not confused with other, more serious causes of a red eye. If there has been a significant eye injury, or if there is pain, reduced vision or light sensitivity, that needs separate urgent assessment.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Subconjunctival haemorrhage
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
No specific action is usually needed. Lubricating drops ease any grittiness. For recurrent episodes, having blood pressure checked and, if on blood thinners, ensuring they are well controlled, can be worthwhile.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
A painless red patch on the white of the eye with normal vision usually needs no treatment. See a doctor if it follows a significant eye injury, or if there is pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity or discharge, which suggest a different problem.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Subconjunctival haemorrhage: frequently asked questions
Is bleeding on the white of the eye serious?
Usually not — a subconjunctival haemorrhage is generally harmless, painless and does not affect vision. It looks dramatic but clears on its own within one to two weeks, like a bruise.
What causes a subconjunctival haemorrhage?
A tiny blood vessel bursting beneath the surface of the eye — often for no clear reason, or triggered by coughing, sneezing, straining or rubbing the eye. It is more common with blood-thinning medicines and can be linked to high blood pressure.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Bloodshot eyes / subconjunctival haemorrhage
- College of Optometrists guidance
Related conditions
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