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Illustrations
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Alternative names
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Definition
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors
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Symptoms
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Signs and tests
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Treatment
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Expectations (prognosis)
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Complications
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Calling your health care provider
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Prevention
Illustrations
Eye
Alternative names
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Red eye
Definition
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Red eye is a bright red or crimson patch appearing in the white of the eye.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
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Subconjunctival hemorrhages are bright red patches on the white of the eye (bulbar conjunctiva ) that occur when a small blood vessel near the surface breaks open and bleeds. TheyВ may happen without injury, andВ are often first noticed when one awakens and looks in the bathroom mirror.
Sudden increases in pressure such as violent sneezing or coughing can produce subconjunctival hemorrhages. These hemorrhagesВ may also occur in people with high blood pressure or in those who take blood thinners.
These hemorrhages are common in newborn infants, and they often appear as a bright red sickle-shaped hemorrhage on the white of the eye. They are thought to be caused by the relatively violent pressure changes across the length of the infant's body during delivery.
Symptoms
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- A bright red patch appearing on the white of the eye
- Painless and no discharge from eye
Signs and tests
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Subconjunctival hemorrhages are diagnosed by direct examination.
Blood pressure should be tested. If other areas of bruising or bleeding are present, more specific tests may be needed.
Treatment
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No treatment is needed. However, routine blood pressure monitoring is advised.
Expectations (prognosis)
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Subconjunctival hemorrhages are self-limiting and resolve over a period of one week.
Complications
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There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider
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Call your health care provider if a bright red patch appears on the white of your child's eye.
Contact your health care provider if you take blood thinners or have bleeding or bruising in other areas.
Prevention
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There is no known prevention.
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