What is subconjunctival hemorrhage?

A bruise on the eye: Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bruise on the surface of the eye from a broken blood vessel. The conjunctiva is the clear thin "skin" of the eyeball with lots of small blood vessels in and under it. When one of these breaks open, blood collects between the conjunctiva and sclera (white of the eye). Because the conjunctiva is clear, the blood is seen as bright red. It takes 1-2 weeks to resorb.

Blood under conj: Blood under conjunctiva (thin tissue that covers white of eye & inside of lids). May be due to injury, straining (coughing, lifting vomiting) or disease process. Often, however, the cause is not known. The redness is profound & blood color & may cover entire white of eye. Usually painless, this problem will clear on its own but this may take weeks.

Bleed: This is a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage. As long as the vision is unchanged and there is no pain, everything should be fine. If it is a little irritated, then you can use an artificial tear up to 4 times a day to lubricate. This is due to a blood vessel leaking blood and is usually without cause. Sometimes straining or blood thinner can cause this. If it continues to happen, follow up with eye md.

Nothing: This will resolve over several days. You may want to avoid blood thinners like Aspirin and nsaids until then.

See an eye doctor: See an eye doctor to make sure that that's all it is. If it is only a subconjunctival hemorrhage, then time will resolve this (usually several days).