SUBCONJUNCTIVAL HEMORRHAGE |
|
|
DESCRIPTIONA subconjunctival hemorrhage is a sudden appearance of blood in the white area of the eye. Although the bleeding may appear frightening, it is not painful or serious. The conjunctiva (white of the eye) is involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications, but only if there has been injury or a change in the child's vision.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A small, painless collection of bright red blood over the white of the eye. Swelling may occur in the affected area of the conjunctiva. The blood changes color gradually to brown or green before disappearing. The condition doesn't interfere with your child's vision.
CAUSES
Usually spontaneous bleeding with no known cause. It may follow coughing, sneezing, or vomiting.
RISK FACTORS
Use of mind-altering drugs.
Use of anticoagulant drugs.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCENo specific preventive measures.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor (sometimes).
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSNone expected.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
The blood should be absorbed in 2 or 3 weeks. It is very unlikely that any scarring will occur.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Use cold compresses on your child's eye for several days to prevent additional bleeding. Fold a clean cloth in several layers, dip it in ice water, and wring it out a little. Apply it to the child's eye for 10 minutes every hour.
Use warm compresses on your child's eye when signs of bleeding have stopped for 2 days. This will hasten blood absorption. Dip the compress in warm water instead of cold water. Apply to the child's eye for 10 minutes 3 times a day.
MEDICATION
Medicine is usually not necessary for this disorder.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes. Activity not likely to worsen the child's condition, nor cause recurrence.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, especially if there is eye pain or vision changes.
‡
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
