Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye)

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

The cause of subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually unknown. However, the following actions may be enough to cause a small blood vessel to rupture in your eye:

  • Violent coughing
  • Powerful sneezing
  • Heavy lifting
  • Vomiting

In some cases, subconjunctival hemorrhage may result from an eye injury, such as from:

  • Roughly rubbing your eye
  • Severe eye infection
  • Eye or eyelid surgery
Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Subconjunctival hemorrhage. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/diseases/subconjunctival-hemorrhage.cfm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2010.
  2. Other conjunctival disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec09/ch101/ch101d.html. Accessed Nov. 21, 2010.
  3. Ahmed RM, et al. Diagnosis and management of the acute red eye. American Journal of Medicine. 2008;26:35.
  4. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 27, 2010.
DS00867 Jan. 15, 2011

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