If your child spontaneously develops a red spot on the white of their eye, it may be a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The good news is this condition is usually harmless and will not affect your child’s vision.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage often resolves after a week or two without needing treatment.
Where did the name “subconjunctival hemorrhage” come from? The white area of the eye is called the sclera. It is covered by the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is made of clear tissue and tiny blood vessels.
The blood vessels can break and blood then pools between the conjunctiva and the sclera, which leaves a bright red spot on the surface known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
What Causes a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Usually, the condition is caused by a sudden force such as sneezing, coughing, or throwing up. The pressure causes vessels in the eyes to rupture.
Vigorous eye rubbing, an infection, or an eye injury can also cause this condition, so it’s important to have this evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
How is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treated?
If there are no underlying conditions such as infection or injury, treatment is usually minimal. Artificial eye drops can be helpful if the child feels any irritation in their eye. Otherwise, it just needs time to heal and will fade on its own.
How does it heal? The blood breaks down and the red spot resolves, much like a bruise on the skin goes away.
Get Care From the Best Pediatric Ophthalmologist in NJ
Parents put their trust in us for their children’s ophthalmology needs. We have two exceptional providers, Amy Lambert, MD, and Rachel Bloom, MD.
The pediatric ophthalmologists at Pediatric Eye Associates pride themselves on the results they see caring for their patients.
The best ophthalmologists are not just medical experts but know how to treat children with compassion and patience. That is why our motto is “to provide the highest quality eye care for children in a setting that is comfortable and reassuring.”
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vision needs!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare
