Can Telemedicine Treat Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Audience: adult

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of your eye (the conjunctiva). This can cause a bright red patch on the white of your eye. It often looks alarming but usually is harmless and clears up on its own within one to two weeks. Telemedicine can help you understand this condition, provide advice on care, and identify if you need urgent in-person care. However, telemedicine cannot replace a full eye exam if your symptoms are severe or if there are other eye problems. If you notice pain, vision changes, or if the redness spreads, you should seek immediate medical attention. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for subconjunctival hemorrhage, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect afterward.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Eye pain or discomfort — seek urgent medical care.
• Changes in vision such as blurriness or loss of sight — get immediate evaluation.
• Blood spreading over the colored part of the eye (iris) or repeated bleeding — see an eye specialist promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Evaluating visible redness and symptoms via video or photos.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if symptoms are mild and do not require urgent in-person care.
• Answering questions about subconjunctival hemorrhage and its usual course.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a detailed eye exam including vision tests and pressure measurements.
• Diagnosing other eye conditions that may look similar.
• Treating complications or severe eye injuries.
• Prescribing medications that require in-person assessment.

What Is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks just under the conjunctiva, the clear surface covering the white part of your eye. This causes a bright red or dark patch on the white of your eye. It usually does not hurt and does not affect your vision. Common causes include coughing, sneezing, straining, minor injury, or sometimes it happens without a clear reason.

How Is It Usually Treated?

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal on their own without treatment. The blood is slowly absorbed by your body over one to two weeks. You can use artificial tears (eye drops) if your eye feels dry or irritated. Avoid rubbing your eye and protect it from further injury. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to stop using them until your eye heals.

Can Telemedicine Help With This Condition?

Telemedicine can be useful for evaluating the appearance of your eye, discussing your symptoms, and advising you on care steps. You can share photos or video of your eye with a healthcare provider. They can help rule out more serious issues and decide if you need to see an eye specialist in person. Telemedicine is convenient and can reduce the need for travel, especially when symptoms are mild.

When Should You Seek In-Person Care?

If you experience any of the following, you should get urgent in-person medical care:

These symptoms may indicate more serious eye problems that need a thorough examination.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, find a quiet, well-lit area where you can clearly show your eye. Have a device with a good camera ready to take photos or video. Note when the redness started and any other symptoms you have. Be ready to discuss your medical history, medications, and any recent injuries or illnesses.

What to Expect After the Telemedicine Visit

After your tele-visit, you may receive advice on home care, such as using lubricating eye drops or avoiding eye rubbing. Your provider might suggest monitoring your symptoms and scheduling a follow-up if needed. If your symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, you will be advised to seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your tele-visit.
• Have a device with a good camera ready to show your eye clearly.
• Take photos of your eye redness if possible.
• Note when the redness started and any other symptoms.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and medical history.
• Be ready to describe any recent injuries or illnesses.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care, such as using lubricating eye drops if recommended.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eye.
• Monitor your symptoms daily for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule a follow-up tele-visit if advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop.
• Protect your eyes from further injury during healing.

FAQs

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage dangerous?

Usually, it is not dangerous and heals on its own without treatment. However, if you have pain, vision changes, or repeated bleeding, you should see a healthcare provider promptly.

How long does it take to heal?

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages clear up within one to two weeks as your body absorbs the blood.

Can I use eye drops?

Yes, lubricating eye drops can help if your eye feels dry or irritated. Avoid using any medicated drops unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Should I stop wearing contact lenses?

It is often recommended to stop wearing contact lenses until your eye heals to avoid irritation and infection.

When should I see an eye specialist?

See an eye specialist if you have pain, vision changes, blood spreading over the colored part of your eye, repeated bleeding, or signs of infection.

Sources

1. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Eye Injuries and Conditions — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Conjunctival Hemorrhage — Mayo Clinic.
4. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance cannot replace in-person evaluation when needed. If you have concerning symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.