What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for 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. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will explain what to expect, how to care for your eye, and when to seek further help. Typically, no special treatment is needed, but you may be advised to avoid rubbing your eye or using certain medications. Follow-up care may include monitoring symptoms and protecting your eyes from injury. Telemedicine can effectively guide you through managing this condition, but if you experience pain, vision changes, or repeated bleeding, an in-person evaluation may be necessary. This guidance helps you understand what happens after your telemedicine visit and how to take care of your eye safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden vision loss or significant changes in vision — seek immediate in-person care.
• Severe eye pain or increasing discomfort — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Repeated bleeding episodes or large blood spots covering much of the eye — get urgent evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of visible red eye or subconjunctival hemorrhage.
• Providing education on self-care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Answering questions about the condition and expected recovery.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations requiring specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing underlying causes needing laboratory or imaging tests.
• Managing complications such as infections or trauma-related injuries.
• Providing emergency treatment for vision-threatening conditions.

Understanding Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks under the conjunctiva, the clear layer covering the white part of your eye. It causes a red spot or patch that can look serious but usually does not cause pain or affect vision. Common causes include minor eye injury, sudden increases in blood pressure from coughing or sneezing, or even straining. It often resolves without treatment in about one to two weeks.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and eye appearance through video or photos. They will confirm that your condition appears typical for a subconjunctival hemorrhage and advise you on care steps. You may be reassured that no urgent treatment is needed but told to watch for any changes. If your symptoms suggest a more serious problem, they may recommend an in-person exam.

Self-Care and Monitoring at Home

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal on their own. You can help by:

If you wear contact lenses, follow your provider's advice about when to resume use.

When to Seek In-Person Care

While most cases are harmless, certain signs need prompt medical attention:

If you notice any of these, seek in-person evaluation promptly.

Follow-Up and Additional Testing

Usually, no follow-up tests are needed for a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage. However, if you have frequent episodes or underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or bleeding disorders, your provider may suggest further evaluation. Follow-up visits may be arranged to ensure healing and address any concerns.

How Telemedicine Supports Your Care

Telemedicine allows you to connect with healthcare providers quickly and safely from home. It is well suited for assessing visible conditions like subconjunctival hemorrhage. Providers can guide you on care, answer questions, and decide if you need to visit in person. This approach helps reduce unnecessary travel and exposure while ensuring you get timely advice.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a camera ready to show your eye clearly.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms, including onset and any changes.
• List any medications you are taking, including blood thinners.
• Note any recent injuries, medical conditions, or bleeding episodes.
• Have a family member or friend help if you need assistance with the technology.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the self-care advice provided by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eye to prevent irritation.
• Use artificial tears if recommended to soothe discomfort.
• Monitor your eye daily for changes in color, pain, or vision.
• Contact your provider if you notice any red flags or worsening symptoms.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments if advised.

FAQs

How long does a subconjunctival hemorrhage take to heal?

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal on their own within one to two weeks. The red patch will gradually fade as your body absorbs the blood.

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage painful?

Usually, it is painless. You might feel mild irritation or a scratchy sensation, but significant pain is uncommon and should be evaluated.

Can I use eye drops or medications?

Artificial tears can help relieve dryness or irritation. Avoid blood-thinning medications unless prescribed by your healthcare provider, as they may increase bleeding risk.

When should I see a doctor in person?

Seek in-person care if you experience eye pain, vision changes, repeated bleeding, or signs of infection such as discharge or swelling.

Can subconjunctival hemorrhage happen repeatedly?

Yes, especially if you have underlying conditions like high blood pressure or bleeding disorders. Your provider may recommend further evaluation if bleeding recurs.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your eye health or experience any warning signs, seek evaluation from a healthcare professional in person promptly.