Overview
It can follow coughing, sneezing, straining, or rubbing the eye.
Blood thinners make it more likely.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Red patch on the white of the eye
Less common
- Scratchy feeling
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayEye pain, vision changes, or after a hard hit to the eye.
See a doctor soonIt happens often or with easy bruising.
Causes
Coughing, straining, rubbing, injury.
Who is more likely to get it
- Blood thinners
- High blood pressure
Diagnosis
A clinician can tell by looking.
Questions you may be asked
- Injury, blood thinners
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Blood pressure: If it keeps happening.
Treatment
No treatment is needed.
Self-care
- Use artificial tears if it feels scratchy
- Don't rub the eye
Prevention
To lower your risk or prevent problems:
- Don't rub your eyes
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.
Back to school, work, or sports
- School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
- Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Babies: Common after birth.
Outlook
Fades on its own.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
Questions to ask
- Should my blood pressure be checked?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Broken blood vessel in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.