How to prepare for a video visit about Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Audience: pediatric

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of the 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. In children, it may happen after minor eye rubbing, coughing, or a mild injury. Preparing for a video visit about this condition can help you and your healthcare provider understand the cause and decide if any treatment is needed. During the visit, you can share your child's symptoms, any recent injuries, and show the eye clearly using the camera. This guide helps you get ready for the visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for this condition, and know when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine advice is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation if the eye problem worsens or other symptoms develop.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Eye pain lasting more than a few hours — seek urgent care.
• Vision changes such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight — seek immediate evaluation.
• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the eye, or eye discharge with fever — get emergency medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of visible eye redness.
• Providing education about common causes and home care.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about symptoms and expected recovery.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye exams with instruments.
• Diagnosing serious eye injuries or infections.
• Treating vision loss or severe eye pain remotely.
• Providing prescriptions that require in-person evaluation.

What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding under the clear surface (conjunctiva) of the eye. It causes a bright red or dark patch on the white part of the eye. It usually does not hurt or affect vision. This happens when tiny blood vessels break, often from minor causes like rubbing the eye, coughing hard, or a small bump.

How to Prepare for Your Child's Video Visit

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What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for This Condition

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Contact emergency services or go to an eye clinic if your child has:

Typical Care After the Video Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for the video call.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have your child’s eye visible and ready to show on camera.
• Prepare to describe when the redness started and any recent events or injuries.
• List any symptoms your child is experiencing besides redness.
• Have a list of current medications or eye drops your child uses.
• Keep paper and pen ready to note any care instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on eye care and symptom monitoring.
• Avoid rubbing or pressing on the affected eye.
• Use artificial tears if recommended to relieve dryness.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs like pain or vision changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Keep the eye protected from further injury during healing.

FAQs

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage dangerous for my child?

Usually, it is not dangerous and heals on its own without treatment. However, if your child has pain, vision changes, or other symptoms, you should seek medical care.

What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage in children?

Common causes include minor eye rubbing, coughing, sneezing, or a small bump to the eye. Sometimes it happens without a clear cause.

How long does it take for the red spot to go away?

The red patch typically fades within one to two weeks as the blood is absorbed by the body.

Can my child use eye drops?

Artificial tears may help if the eye feels dry or irritated. Avoid using any medicated eye drops unless advised by a healthcare provider.

When should I get emergency care for my child’s eye?

Seek urgent care if your child has eye pain, vision changes, swelling, discharge, or if the redness spreads quickly.

Sources

1. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Conjunctivitis and Other Eye Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage — Mayo Clinic.
4. Eye Injuries and Conditions — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms worsen or you have concerns about their health, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.