GCEO Group®What can blood in the eye mean?
This is a symptom, not one diagnosis. Blood can collect beneath the clear membrane covering the white of the eye, or deeper inside the eye. General redness from irritation or infection is not necessarily bleeding. An eye examination helps identify the cause.
[1][5]Surface bleeding and bleeding inside the eye
Surface blood patch on the white of the eye
Blood inside the front of the eye (hyphema)
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent eye assessment immediately if you have:
- Blood or redness after a blow, sharp object or other eye injury.
- Reduced or blurred vision, significant pain or sensitivity to light.
- Blood appearing to cover the iris or pupil, or suspected bleeding inside the eye.
- A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes or a dark curtain across vision.
Do not drive if your sight is affected. Do not press or rub an injured eye, or try to remove an embedded object. A red eye in a contact-lens wearer also needs urgent advice.
[6][5]A blood patch on the white of the eye
A subconjunctival haemorrhage is a small leak beneath the eye's transparent surface covering. It often appears suddenly and looks dramatic, but a typical uncomplicated episode does not reduce vision and is usually painless. Mild grittiness can occur.
[4][2]Once this diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is usually unnecessary. The blood often clears in one to two weeks, although a larger patch may take longer. Ask for review if it is not clearing after about two weeks, recurs, or becomes painful.
[4][2]Bleeding inside the eye
Hyphema: bleeding at the front
Blood collects between the clear cornea and coloured iris, often after an injury. It can affect sight and raise eye pressure. It requires urgent assessment and close follow-up.
[3]Bleeding further back
Bleeding deeper inside the eye can cause new floaters or blurred vision without an obvious surface blood patch. Sudden symptoms require urgent examination to check for retinal problems.
[7]Why might a surface blood patch appear?
Sometimes there is no clear trigger. Coughing, sneezing, straining or forceful rubbing may contribute. Injury or an eye procedure can also cause a patch. High blood pressure, diabetes, medicines that affect clotting and, less commonly, blood disorders may be relevant.
[2][4]What will the clinician check?
Tell the clinician about injuries, recent procedures, medicines and any other unusual bleeding or bruising. The assessment checks vision and the eye; eye-pressure testing or a dilated examination may be needed depending on the findings. Repeated bleeds may prompt blood-pressure checks or further tests.
[3][8][7]Treatment and medicines
For a confirmed uncomplicated surface bleed, lubricating drops may ease irritation but do not remove the blood. Do not rub the eye. Ask your clinician or pharmacist before using drops if you are unsure of the diagnosis.
[2][5]Bleeding inside the eye needs a specialist plan, which may include protective shielding, activity restrictions, drops and pressure checks; some cases need surgery. Keep follow-up appointments even if the eye looks better.
[3]Tell the clinician if you take prescribed aspirin or a blood thinner. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment yourself; contact the prescriber for advice.
[8][9]Protecting your eyes
Wear suitable eye protection for sports and tasks involving flying particles or tools. Avoid forceful eye rubbing. Keep recommended blood-pressure and diabetes reviews, and arrange review for recurrent blood patches or unexplained bruising elsewhere.
[3][8]References and further reading
- AAO — Blood in eye
- AAO — Subconjunctival hemorrhage
- AAO — What is hyphema?
- Cambridge University Hospitals — Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage
- NHS — Red eye
- NHS — Eye injuries
- National Eye Institute — Floaters and warning symptoms
- Gloucestershire Hospitals — Subconjunctival haemorrhage
- NHS — Warfarin: taking it safely
Related patient resources
Patient information supports discussion with your eye-care professional.