Subconjunctival hemorrhages are small accumulations of blood beneath the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the front of the eye). They usually result from minor injury to the eye (see Injuries to the Eye), straining, lifting, pushing, bending forward, vomiting, sneezing, or coughing. Rarely, they occur spontaneously. Subconjunctival hemorrhages may appear frightening but are almost always harmless. They disappear on their own, usually within 2 weeks. No treatment is helpful or necessary.

Last full review/revision November 2012 by Melvin I. Roat, MD, FACS