Have you looked in the mirror and noticed a bright red spot on the white part of your eye? It’s probably a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Although it may look alarming, this condition is almost always harmless. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists can quickly examine your eye to confirm the diagnosis and ensure there is nothing more serious.

Do you have a red spot accompanied by pain, blurred vision, or other unusual symptoms? Call 819-485-1085. Our eye emergency service in Gatineau is available 24/7.

What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel ruptures beneath the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye. Blood accumulates between the conjunctiva and the sclera (the white of the eye), forming a bright red, well-defined spot.

This is a very common condition that can occur at any age, often spontaneously and without pain. Most people discover it by chance when looking in a mirror or when someone points it out to them.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is similar to a bruise on the skin. Just as a bruise on the arm is caused by the rupture of a small blood vessel under the skin, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is caused by the rupture of a small blood vessel under the conjunctiva. And just like a bruise, it resolves on its own without treatment.

However, in some cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have it evaluated by an optometrist in Gatineau, especially if it’s your first time or if the episodes are recurring.

Symptoms of subconjunctival hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is easy to spot. Here’s what you might notice:

A bright red spot on the white of the eye. This is the main symptom. The spot may be small and localized or cover a large portion of the white of the eye. The color is typically bright red at first, then changes to burgundy, brown, and yellow over the course of several days as the blood is reabsorbed, just like a bruise on the skin.

No pain. This is the most reassuring sign. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is painless. If you experience pain, it may indicate a different condition that requires evaluation by an optometrist in Gatineau.

Normal vision. The bleeding is limited to the surface of the eye and does not affect your vision. If your vision is blurry or impaired along with the red spot, seek medical attention immediately.

A slight sensation of a foreign object. Some people experience very mild irritation or a sensation similar to having a grain of sand in their eye, but this is rare and minor.

Important: If your red spot is accompanied by eye pain, blurred vision, or discharge, or if it appeared after a significant injury to the eye or head, see an optometrist in Gatineau immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. At Altitude Optometry, our eye emergency service is available 7 days a week at 819-485-1085.

Causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage

In many cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs for no apparent reason. You wake up one morning and the spot is there. However, several factors can cause a small blood vessel to rupture:

A violent cough, a sneeze, or vomiting. Any action that suddenly increases pressure in the blood vessels of the head can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is a very common cause, especially during cold and flu season in the Gatineau area.

Intense physical exertion. Lifting a heavy object, straining during weight training, or any activity that causes a sudden increase in abdominal pressure (the Valsalva maneuver) can cause a blood vessel to rupture. Gatineau residents who go to the gym or participate in CrossFit, weightlifting, or winter snow removal are familiar with this phenomenon.

Excessive eye rubbing. Rubbing your eyes vigorously, especially with dry hands or during allergy season, can damage the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva. This is particularly common in the spring and summer in the Outaouais region when pollen allergies are at their peak.

Eye injury. A direct blow to the eye or face, a foreign object, or even particularly forceful rubbing can cause bleeding. People who play racquet sports, hockey, and team sports in the Gatineau area are at higher risk.

High blood pressure. High, poorly controlled blood pressure weakens the walls of blood vessels, making them more likely to rupture. If you experience recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, your optometrist in Gatineau may recommend that you have your blood pressure checked.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or newer oral anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding, including subconjunctival bleeding.

Wearing contact lenses. Poorly fitting lenses, rough handling during insertion or removal, or wearing lenses for too long can irritate the blood vessels in the conjunctiva.

Diabetes. Diabetes can weaken blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye.

Constipation (straining during bowel movements). Straining on the toilet can increase venous pressure and cause subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage vs. red eye: How can you tell the difference?

Many people confuse a subconjunctival hemorrhage with a simple "pink eye." Here's how to tell them apart:

Subconjunctival hemorrhage. A bright red, well-defined spot with uniform color; painless; normal vision; no discharge. The redness is concentrated in a specific area.

Red eye (conjunctivitis, uveitis, etc.). Diffuse redness with visible dilated blood vessels, often accompanied by pain, itching, discharge, or blurred vision. The redness is spread across the entire white of the eye.

If you're not sure what's wrong, our optometrists in Gatineau can quickly determine the cause during an exam. It's better to get checked out and put your mind at ease than to worry unnecessarily.

Diagnosis in Gatineau

Diagnosing a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually quick and easy. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists perform:

Visual examination and slit-lamp examination. This helps confirm that the bleeding is indeed beneath the conjunctiva and not inside the eye. This examination also allows for an assessment of the integrity of the cornea and the eye’s internal structures.

Measurement of intraocular pressure. To ensure that intraocular pressure is normal, especially if trauma is involved.

Comprehensive eye health assessment. Our optometrists check for any signs of underlying conditions, such as uveitis, acute glaucoma, or deeper trauma that may have caused the bleeding.

Discussion of your medical history. If you experience recurrent bleeding, our optometrists will discuss your medications, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits to identify the cause and refer you to your family doctor if necessary.

Treatment of subconjunctival hemorrhage

The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, the hemorrhage resolves on its own within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on its size. No surgery or invasive treatment is necessary.

What our optometrists in Gatineau do for you:

Confirmation of the diagnosis. The main purpose of the consultation is to confirm that your red spot is indeed just a subconjunctival hemorrhage and not a sign of a more serious condition. This confirmation will give you peace of mind.

Prescription of eye drops. Even though a subconjunctival hemorrhage is benign, our optometrists in Gatineau routinely prescribe lubricating or soothing eye drops to relieve any irritation or dryness during the healing process. It is important to us that every patient leaves the clinic with a clear plan and a treatment tailored to their specific situation. No one leaves empty-handed.

Identifying the cause. If a specific cause is identified (high blood pressure, anticoagulants, trauma), our optometrists will advise you on the next steps and may refer you to your family doctor for appropriate follow-up care.

Follow-up as needed. For more severe or recurrent bleeding, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure complete healing.

What NOT to do:

Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) to treat a subconjunctival hemorrhage. These medications can make the bleeding worse by thinning the blood. If you are already taking blood thinners, do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.

Progress and Recovery

Subconjunctival hemorrhage follows a predictable healing process:

Days 1 to 3. The spot is bright red and may appear to spread slightly as the blood spreads under the conjunctiva. This is normal and does not mean that the bleeding is continuing.

Days 4 through 7. The spot begins to change color, turning from bright red to burgundy and then to brown, just like a bruise on the skin.

Days 7 to 14. The spot turns greenish-yellow as the body reabsorbs the blood.

Days 14 to 21. The spot disappears completely, and the white of the eye returns to its normal appearance.

Larger hemorrhages can take up to 3 weeks to completely resolve. Patience is key.

Prevention of subconjunctival hemorrhage

Although it is not always possible to prevent a subconjunctival hemorrhage, here are the steps recommended by our optometrists in Gatineau:

Avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously. If your eyes are itchy due to seasonal allergies in the Gatineau and Outaouais regions, use antihistamine eye drops instead of rubbing them.

Wear protective eyewear. When participating in sports (hockey, racquetball, squash) or doing manual work (brush clearing, carpentry, renovation), protect your eyes to prevent injury.

Keep an eye on your blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor. If you experience recurrent bleeding, have your blood pressure checked.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. If you take blood thinners or aspirin daily and experience frequent bleeding, talk to your doctor.

Handle your contact lenses with care. Insert and remove your lenses gently to avoid irritating the blood vessels in the conjunctiva.

Treat your allergies. Allergy season in the Gatineau area runs from May to September. Antihistamine eye drops prescribed by our optometrists can reduce itching and the urge to rub your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions — Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Q: Is it dangerous?
No. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is almost always harmless and resolves on its own without any treatment. It does not cause any damage to your vision or your eye. However, if it is accompanied by pain or blurred vision, see an optometrist in Gatineau for an evaluation.

Q: How long does it last?
Usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the hemorrhage. The spot gradually changes color (red, burgundy, brown, yellow) before disappearing completely. This is a normal process, and there is no way to speed up the healing.

Q: Is it contagious?
No. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is not contagious at all. It is caused by physical trauma, not an infection. You can continue to go to work, school, and carry on with your normal activities.

Q: Can this happen again?
Yes, in some people. If you experience recurrent bleeding (more than 2 or 3 times a year), it’s important to see an optometrist in Gatineau and have your blood pressure and overall health checked. Frequent bleeding with no obvious cause warrants further investigation.

Q: My child has a red spot in their eye. Should I be concerned?
Subconjunctival hemorrhages are common in children, especially after coughing, crying intensely, or rubbing their eyes. They are usually harmless. If your child complains of pain or blurred vision, make an appointment with our optometrists in Gatineau for an exam.

Q: Will I be prescribed medication?
Yes. Even if the bleeding is minor, our optometrists in Gatineau always prescribe eye drops to relieve discomfort while you heal. No one leaves Altitude Optometry empty-handed.

Q: Should I go to the hospital emergency room?
In the vast majority of cases, no. An optometrist is the best-qualified professional to evaluate a subconjunctival hemorrhage. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our eye emergency service is available 7 days a week, and you’ll be seen much faster than at the Gatineau hospital emergency room. Call 819-485-1085.

See an optometrist in Gatineau for your subconjunctival hemorrhage

Do you have a red spot on the white part of your eye and want to put your mind at ease? It’s perfectly normal to be concerned. Our optometrists at Altitude Optométrie in Gatineau can quickly confirm that everything is fine and explain exactly what’s going on.

The clinic is located at 705 Davidson Street West, Suite 1, and is easily accessible from Hull, Aylmer, Templeton, Cantley, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers via Highway 50, Montée Paiement exit.