A subconjunctival hemorrhage, otherwise known as a burst blood vessel in the eye, occurs as the result of micro-blood vessels in the conjunctiva rupturing. Subconjunctival hemorrhages are fairly commonplace among the population across a broad spectrum of ages, with the relatively delicate nature of blood vessels in the human eye quickly becoming inflamed and bursting.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhages in Adolescents to Adults
For adults and adolescents, common causes of subconjunctival hemorrhages, which leave a bright red blood stain on the white sclera of the eye beneath the conjunctiva, include actions as innocuous as coughing, but on occasion, can be indicative of blood pressure issues, coagulation deficiencies, excessive vomiting, or even intense crying. Finally, subconjunctival hemorrhages in adults frequently present alongside and in conjunction with severe ocular infections, trauma to the eye, or indicative of recovery from recent ophthalmological care. In most instances, the visible red marking in the sclera of the patient will resolve itself within fourteen to twenty days. Lingering subconjunctival hemorrhages do warrant consulting with a medical professional to ensure that the ocular bleeding is not indicative of an underlying medical issue.
Infant Subconjunctival Hemorrhages
In the case of infants, especially recent births, subconjunctival hemorrhages visible in the sclera of the infant are commonplace. Medical professionals concur that the existence of subconjunctival hemorrhages in infants are likely indicative of a difficult birth process, which caused sufficient pressure on the cranium of an infant so as to burst miniature and readily punctured blood vessels in the infant’s eye. Commonly, methods such as vacuum assisted extraction and other distressed vaginal delivery techniques increase the probability that an infant will exhibit subconjunctival hemorrhages that will eventually self-limit in appearance after twenty-four hours prior to resolving completely unassisted and without treatment after three weeks.
However, given that the pressure placed onto the skull of the infant was sufficient to burst blood vessels in the eye, medical professionals adhering to a reasonable standard of care and consider the possibility of infant subconjunctival hemorrhages as being the most visible external warning sign of a traumatic birth injury. Moreover, if not ceasing to worsen in appearance and redness after one day, infant subconjunctival hemorrhages may be indicative of underestimated birth complications. If left untreated and unmonitored, an unresolved subconjunctival hemorrhage can lead to vision problems for neonatal patients.
Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhages in Infants
The sole symptom used to diagnose subconjunctival hemorrhage in infants is via visual inspection of the infant’s sclera and eye, with reddish blood clotting beneath the conjunctiva remaining highly visible adjacent to the white colored membrane of the sclera. However, subconjunctival hemorrhages in infants may be symptomatic in and of itself of larger intracranial pressure injuries sustained by the infant during the birth process, which pose high risks for the later development of cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders due to the damage or hypoxia endured by the infant’s brain.
Treatment Help for Subconjunctival Hemorrhages
- In practice for both the bulk of adults, adolescents, and infants, subconjunctival hemorrhages will resolve themselves within two to three weeks with no direct medical intervention at all by patients or professionals.
- However, parents of any newborn displaying subconjunctival hemorrhages should follow-up with their physicians to ensure the appropriate due diligence is being performed to ensure the non-existence of cranial hematomas or other potentially fatal complications stemming from distressed delivery procedures.
- Moreover, any patient experiencing a continuing growth in the redness or size of the subconjunctival hemorrhage should consult with an ophthalmologist or general physician if the injury increases after twenty-four (24) hours.
- Finally, patients experiencing subconjunctival hemorrhages alongside physical pain in the eye, disturbances or changes to the vision of the patient, or those patients with pre-existing blood pressure or clotting disorders should consult with medical professionals about case-specific treatment options.
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/subconjunctival-hemorrhage/basics/definition/con-20029242
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001616.htm
http://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/VPTC2/12%20Working%20With%20Consumers%20with%20Disabilities/Cerebral_Palsy.pdf
