Many of us have had a blood red spot on the white of the eye at one time or another. Usually there was no injury or discomfort. Many people wake-up with the red spot and may not even be aware of it until a family member or co-worker points it out. Subconjunctival hemorrhages look worse than they are and do not need treatment.
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel in the conjunctiva breaks and bleeds. It may occur spontaneously or from heavy lifting, coughing or vomiting. In some cases, it may develop following eye surgery or trauma. Subconjunctival hemorrhage tends to be more common among those with diabetes and hypertension.
Certain medications can make the bleeding worse, including: Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix, St. John’s Wort and Ginkgo.
While it may look frightening, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is essentially harmless. The blood from the broken conjunctival vessel becomes trapped in the space underneath the clear conjunctival tissue. The blood naturally absorbs within one to three weeks and may turn greenish or yellow during this time.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage does not affect vision or cause pain, and treatment is usually not required. Exceptions are when the bleeding is a result of trauma or injury, the redness lasts more than 10 days or when it recurs again.
And of course, if you are unsure call our office. (707)762-8643
There are many advantages to wearing contact lenses. There are disadvantages too. If you are compliant with care and replacement of your contact lenses, the risks are reduced greatly.
Be aware that serious injury to the eye, scarring of the cornea and loss of vision may result from problems associated with wearing contact lenses and using lens care products. Eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop rapidly and lead to loss of vision. Immediately call or visit Westside Optometry for persistent symptoms of any eye discomfort, watering, vision change, or redness.
Extended Wear
Overnight wear of contact lenses has been shown to increase the risk of contact lens related complications. Do not wear your contact lenses for extended wear (24 hours a day including sleep) unless I’ve directed you to do so.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of serious problems with contact lens wear, especially when lenses are worn overnight. If you smoke, be sure to inform me.
Following Directions
Be sure to follow the exact instructions from my contact lens technician, myself and the contact lens manufacturer provide about how to use and care for your contact lenses and lens care products, including lens cases. Failure to do so may put you at risk of developing a serious eye infection.
Use Proper Lens Care Solutions
Soft Contact Lens Solutions
Do not use saliva, tap water, distilled water, or homemade saline solution for any purpose in caring for your lenses. The use of these solutions has been associated with serious eye infections including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal infection that is resistant to treatment and cure.
Adverse Effects (Possible Problems)
It is possible that problems can occur and may be accompanied by one or more of the following conditions:
Moderate to severe eye pain not relieved by removing the lens
Feeling of something in the eye
Unusual eye secretions
Eye redness
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Eyes burn, sting or itch
Eyes water
Reduced sharpness of vision
Rainbows or halos around objects
Uncomfortable lens
Feeling of dryness
A serious condition such as corneal ulcer or eye infection may be present and may progress rapidly. Even less serious reactions such as a scratched cornea must be treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
What to do if a Problem Occurs
If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, immediately remove your lens(es)
1. If the discomfort stops, then look closely at the lens(es):
If the lens is damaged in any way, DO NOT put the lens back on your eye. Discard the damaged lens.
If the lens(es) have dirt, an eyelash or other foreign body on them, and the lens(es) appear undamaged, thoroughly clean, rinse and disinfect the lens(es), then reinsert. After reinsertion, if the problem continues, remove the lens(es) immediately and contact Westside Optometry.
2. If discomfort continues after you have removed your lens(es):
Immediately contact Westside Optometry
Do not reinsert a new or spare lens onto an eye that is red, irritated or painful. A new lens may hide symptoms and delay treatment.
When Lenses Should Not Be Worn
Contact lenses should not be worn under certain general health and eye conditions. I take into consideration many factors to determine if continued contact lens wear is right for you. These include the following:
Inflammation or infection in or around the eye or eyelids
Excessive dryness of the eyes that makes contact lens wear uncomfortable
Any condition which reduces corneal sensitivity
Systemic diseases that may be affected by or impact lens wear
Allergic conditions, reactions or ocular irritation caused or exaggerated by lens wear or certain preservatives in lens care products
The use of any medication, including some eye medications, that shouldn’t be used with or interferes with contact lens wear
If eyes become red or irritated
General Guidelines for Safe Contact Lens Wear
While wearing your contact lenses, your eyes should look well, feel comfortable and your vision should be clear.
Your lenses are provided to you in a foil sealed plastic container. Never use a lens if the container seal is broken, as damage or contamination may have occurred.
Do not wear your lenses longer than prescribed, no matter how comfortable the lenses feel. Doing so increases the risk of adverse effects.
For a printable version of the above cautions for contact lens wear, click here.
Many of us have had a blood red spot on the white of the eye at one time or another. Usually there was no injury or discomfort. Many people wake-up with the red spot and may not even be aware of it until a family member or co-worker asks about it. Subconjunctival hemorrhages look worse than they are and do not need treatment.
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the surface of the inner eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel in the conjunctiva breaks and bleeds. It may occur spontaneously or from heavy lifting, coughing or vomiting. In some cases, it may develop following eye surgery or trauma. Subconjunctival hemorrhage tends to be more common among those with diabetes and hypertension.
Certain medications can make the bleeding worse, including: Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix, St. John’s Wort and Ginkgo.
While it may look frightening, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is essentially harmless. The blood from the broken conjunctival vessel becomes trapped in the space underneath the clear conjunctival tissue. The blood naturally absorbs within one to three weeks and may turn greenish or yellow during this time.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage does not affect vision or cause pain, and treatment is usually not required. Exceptions to that are when bleeding: is a result of trauma or injury; lasts more than 10 days; starts again.
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel in the conjunctiva breaks and bleeds. It may occur spontaneously or from heavy lifting, coughing or vomiting. In some cases, it may develop following eye surgery or trauma. Subconjunctival hemorrhage tends to be more common among those with diabetes and hypertension.
