A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a condition where small blood vessels in the eye’s white part break open and cause bleeding. While not usually dangerous, it can cause discomfort, such as redness, irritation, and blurry vision.
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Can You Wear Contacts With a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Although it depends on how extensive your injury is, contact lenses should not be worn. At the same time, you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage, as it may irritate the already inflamed area and cause further damage.
It’s best to wait until you’ve been given clearance from an ophthalmologist before attempting to put contacts back into your eyes after the onset of this condition.
Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Subconjunctival hemorrhages typically cause the eye to appear bright red. They may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as mild pain or soreness in the area of bleeding and blurred vision.
If the hemorrhage is large enough, it could even cause the eye to become swollen shut. Although this is rare, it’s important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are present.
How to Diagnose a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
To diagnose a subconjunctival hemorrhage, your doctor will examine your eyes for any signs of injury or bleeding. An ophthalmologist may also need to use special tools or measurements to confirm the diagnosis. In most cases, no additional tests will be required since these types of injuries usually resolve on their own over time.
Treatment for Subconjunctival Hemorrhages
The main goal of treatment for subconjunctival hemorrhages is to prevent any further damage from occurring in the affected area.
This may involve taking medications (such as an anti-inflammatory or anti-allergy medication) or applying topical ointments (such as antibiotic ointments). Additionally, your doctor may recommend ice packs and/or rest for several days in order to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Alternate Options for Contact Wearers
Suppose you cannot wear contact lenses due to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. In that case, there are still several options available that can provide effectively similar vision correction without irritating the affected area.
These include eyeglasses with corrective lenses or using disposable soft contact lenses, which allow oxygenation of the affected area while providing proper vision correction.
Seek Medical Attention For A Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience excessive pain or swelling during episodes of subconjunctival hemorrhaging, as more serious underlying conditions could be indicated on these rare occasions when symptoms become too severe.
Additionally, individuals who suffer from chronic underlying conditions such as diabetes should talk with their doctor immediately if they notice signs of eye inflammation or bleeding associated with subconjectuva hemorrhages because, if left untreated over time can worsen, leading to more serious complications down the line.
