How to prepare for a video visit about Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Audience: adult

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of your eye, causing a bright red patch. It often looks alarming but usually is harmless and clears up on its own within one to two weeks. Preparing for a video visit about this condition can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider will want to see your eye clearly, discuss any symptoms you have, and understand your medical history. While most cases do not require urgent treatment, some signs may need immediate attention. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for this condition, and know when to seek in-person care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden vision changes or loss — contact emergency services or go to an eye clinic.
• Repeated subconjunctival hemorrhages or bleeding in both eyes — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of eye redness and symptoms.
• Providing education about subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Discussing medication history and risk factors.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a detailed eye examination including eye pressure measurement.
• Diagnosing other eye conditions that may require specialized tests.
• Providing emergency treatment for vision loss or severe pain.

What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks under the clear layer covering your white eye (the conjunctiva). It creates a bright red spot or patch on the white part of your eye. This condition usually does not cause pain or affect vision. It often looks worse than it is and typically heals without treatment in one to two weeks.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your telemedicine appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place where you can show your eye clearly on camera. Have a list of any symptoms you are experiencing, such as pain, vision changes, or discharge. Be ready to share your medical history, including any blood-thinning medications or recent injuries. If possible, have a family member or friend help you with the video call.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and may ask you to show your eye on camera. They will check for signs that suggest a more serious problem. Most subconjunctival hemorrhages do not need treatment, but your provider may recommend follow-up or in-person evaluation if needed. They may also discuss ways to prevent future episodes.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If you experience pain, vision loss, repeated bleeding, or blood in both eyes, you should seek urgent in-person medical care. Also, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or are on blood thinners and notice a large or worsening hemorrhage, prompt evaluation is important.

How Telemedicine Can Help and Its Limits

Telemedicine allows you to get expert advice quickly and safely from home. Providers can assess your eye’s appearance and symptoms, offer guidance, and decide if you need in-person care. However, telemedicine cannot perform a full eye exam, measure eye pressure, or conduct detailed tests needed for some eye conditions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video call.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Prepare to show your eye clearly on camera.
• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• List any medications you take, especially blood thinners.
• Have your medical history available, including recent injuries or bleeding disorders.
• Consider having someone assist you during the call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any advice or instructions given by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your eye for changes in redness, pain, or vision.
• Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eye.
• Use lubricating eye drops if recommended.
• Schedule any follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flags develop after the visit.

FAQs

What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

It often happens after minor injury, sudden increases in pressure like coughing or sneezing, or from blood-thinning medications. Sometimes it occurs without an obvious cause.

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage painful?

Usually, it is not painful and does not affect vision. You may feel mild irritation or scratchiness.

How long does it take to heal?

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal on their own within one to two weeks without treatment.

Can I use eye drops?

Lubricating eye drops may help if your eye feels dry or irritated. Avoid using redness-relief drops unless your provider advises.

When should I see a doctor in person?

Seek in-person care if you have pain, vision changes, repeated bleeding, or if the redness spreads or worsens.

Sources

1. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Eye Redness and Irritation — Mayo Clinic: Patient Care and Health Information.
3. Eye Health: Red Eye — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Clinical Overview — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any emergency symptoms or worsening conditions, seek immediate medical attention.