What happens after a telemedicine visit for Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Audience: pediatric

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a small bleed under the clear surface of the eye, often looking like a bright red patch. It usually happens after minor injury, strain, or sometimes without a clear cause. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will explain that this condition often looks worse than it feels and usually heals on its own within one to two weeks without treatment. They may advise simple care steps like avoiding rubbing the eye and using artificial tears if the eye feels dry or irritated. However, they will also tell you what warning signs to watch for that need immediate in-person care. Follow-up visits might not be needed unless symptoms change or worsen. This guidance helps families understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit and when to seek further help. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for direct medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Eye pain that worsens or does not improve
• Vision changes such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight
• Rapidly spreading or increasing redness or bleeding in the eye

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of visible eye redness
• Providing education about subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring
• Advice on when to seek in-person care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye exams requiring specialized equipment
• Diagnosing or managing complex eye conditions
• Treating vision loss or eye pain that is severe or worsening
• Emergency interventions for eye trauma

What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks just 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 cause pain or vision problems and often looks more serious than it is.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your child's symptoms and eye images if available. They will confirm that the red spot is likely a harmless bleed. They will explain that the blood will slowly fade over days to weeks. No special medicine is usually needed. They may suggest using lubricating eye drops if the eye feels dry or scratchy.

When to Watch for Warning Signs

While most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal well, some signs mean your child needs urgent care:

If any of these happen, seek in-person medical evaluation promptly.

How to Care for Your Child's Eye at Home

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Follow-Up and When to Contact Your Provider

Usually, no follow-up visit is needed unless symptoms change. Contact your healthcare provider if:

Limitations of Telemedicine for Eye Conditions

Telemedicine can help identify common eye issues like subconjunctival hemorrhage and provide advice. However, it cannot replace a full eye exam when detailed vision testing or specialized equipment is needed. In-person care is important if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a good light source for the video call
• Prepare to show clear images or video of the child's eye if possible
• List any recent injuries, symptoms, or events related to the eye redness
• Have a list of current medications and allergies ready
• Be prepared to describe the child's symptoms and any changes over time

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on eye care and symptom monitoring
• Use lubricating eye drops if recommended
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eye unnecessarily
• Watch for any red flags or worsening symptoms
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen

FAQs

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage painful for my child?

Most of the time, a subconjunctival hemorrhage does not cause pain. Your child may feel some mild irritation or scratchiness, but it usually is not painful.

How long does it take to heal?

The red patch often fades within one to two weeks as the blood is absorbed by the body. Healing time can vary depending on the size of the hemorrhage.

Can my child still go to school or play?

Yes, your child can usually continue normal activities as long as they are comfortable and avoid activities that could injure the eye further.

Should my child use eye drops?

Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may be recommended if the eye feels dry or irritated. Avoid using any other eye drops unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

When should I seek emergency care?

Seek emergency care if your child has worsening eye pain, vision changes, increased redness or bleeding, eye swelling, or discharge from the eye.

Sources

1. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Eye Injuries and Conditions — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Red Eye: Causes and Treatments — Mayo Clinic.
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 your child's symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional promptly.