A bleed behind the eye, or subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when small blood vessels break just beneath the clear surface of the eye. This can happen due to minor trauma, high blood pressure, or even straining activities.
The white part of the eye, called the conjunctiva, contains tiny blood vessels. When these vessels break, blood leaks into the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera (the white part of the eye), causing a red or pink appearance. This condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a few days.
| Type | Common Cause | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Subconjunctival Hemorrhage | Trauma, coughing, sneezing | 3-10 days |
| Hypertensive Hemorrhage | High blood pressure | 1-2 weeks |
| Medication-Related Hemorrhage | Blood thinners | Varies |
Bleeds behind the eye are often noticed when they occur in the visible part of the eye. They can happen anywhere on the white of the eye but are most noticeable when they appear near the front. The condition is generally painless and does not affect vision.
Many people confuse a bleed behind the eye with a burst blood vessel in the retina, which is more serious. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically benign, while a retinal hemorrhage can indicate a more severe underlying condition.
For instance, a person might wake up with a red spot in their eye after a night of intense coughing. This is likely a subconjunctival hemorrhage caused by the strain of coughing. The redness will fade over the next week without any treatment.
I once experienced a bleed behind my eye after accidentally rubbing it too hard. The red spot was startling at first, but it disappeared within a few days. I didn't seek medical attention because I knew it was a common and harmless occurrence.
For more on eye allergies, see eye allergy causes.