Blood spot on the eye in Reservoir
Subconjunctival haemorrhage: a bright-red blood spot on the eye
A sharply defined red patch on the white of the eye is often a subconjunctival haemorrhage—a small amount of bleeding beneath the clear surface lining of the eye.
It can look dramatic. A typical uncomplicated surface bleed is painless, has no discharge and does not change vision, but an examination is sensible if you are unsure, it followed an injury, or other symptoms are present.
Typical appearance
What does a subconjunctival haemorrhage look and feel like?
A clearly outlined patch
The blood usually appears as a flat, bright-red area on the white of one eye. The patch may look larger before its colour starts to fade.
Usually painless
An uncomplicated surface bleed should not cause moderate or severe pain, strong light sensitivity or thick discharge.
Vision stays unchanged
Blurred, reduced or lost vision is not typical and needs prompt assessment rather than reassurance from appearance alone.
The blood sits beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent lining over the white of the eye. It is different from bleeding inside the eye, which may not look the same and can require urgent care.
Why it can happen
Sometimes there is no obvious trigger.
A small surface vessel can break spontaneously. Coughing, sneezing, straining, rubbing the eye or minor trauma may sometimes come before the red patch. Medicines that affect clotting can make bleeding more likely or more noticeable.
If the blood spot is recurrent, unusually extensive or you have concerns about medication, blood pressure, bruising or bleeding elsewhere, speak with your GP or prescribing clinician.
A red patch after a significant knock, a high-speed particle, drilling, grinding or cutting should be treated as a possible eye injury, not assumed to be a simple subconjunctival haemorrhage.
What to do
Most uncomplicated surface blood spots fade without treatment.
The colour can change as the blood clears, much like a bruise. Avoid rubbing the eye. If the surface feels mildly gritty, ask an optometrist, doctor or pharmacist whether a lubricating drop is appropriate for you.
Take a clear photograph if you want to document how the patch changes. Arrange an eye check if this is the first episode and you are uncertain what it is, if it keeps returning, or if the appearance is not gradually settling.
A routine comprehensive eye test may be appropriate when there are no urgent symptoms. Call first if you are uncertain how quickly you should be seen.
Warning signs
Seek prompt or urgent help when the red patch is not the only symptom.
Vision or pain
Prompt assessment is needed for blurred or reduced vision, moderate or severe pain, or strong light sensitivity.
Injury or chemical
Go to emergency care for a penetrating injury or chemical exposure. High-speed particles and significant trauma also need urgent assessment.
Other concerning features
Seek advice for coloured discharge, worsening redness, blood that appears inside the coloured part of the eye, or severe headache, nausea or neurological symptoms.
For sudden or severe concerns, see our Medical & Urgent Eye Care guide. Call triple zero (000) if the situation is immediately serious or it is unsafe to travel independently.
What an assessment may involve
Confirming that the bleeding is only on the surface.
We can ask about the onset, injury, coughing or straining, recurrence, medications and any pain or vision change. The assessment may include checking vision and examining the eye surface and front of the eye under magnification.
If the appearance or history suggests a broader medical issue, we may recommend review with your GP or arrange referral. The aim is to distinguish an uncomplicated surface bleed from a red eye or injury that needs different care.
Australian patient information
Sources used for this guide
See the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital’s subconjunctival haemorrhage information and acute-eye manual, plus Healthdirect guidance for objects or chemicals in the eye.
Eye checks in Reservoir
Unsure whether it is only a surface blood spot?
Call and describe what you can see and any symptoms. For a painless patch with unchanged vision, a routine assessment may be suitable; pain, injury or vision change needs faster care.