A subconjunctival hemorrhage (SH) is a common eye condition that occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye. This rupture allows blood to leak out, becoming trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera, resulting in a bright red patch. Although the appearance can be visually alarming, the condition is typically benign and does not affect vision. This guidance focuses on the safety of using contact lenses when this broken blood vessel is present.
Understanding the Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is similar to a bruise, where blood leaks from a vessel but is contained by surrounding tissue layers. The resulting patch is sharply demarcated and presents as an intense, uniform red color on the white of the eye (sclera). Since the blood is confined to the surface, it causes no pain or change in visual acuity.
These hemorrhages are often spontaneous, resulting from a sudden, temporary spike in venous pressure. Common actions that trigger this pressure increase include forceful sneezing, intense coughing, vomiting, or straining during a bowel movement. Minor external trauma, such as rubbing the eye too vigorously, can also rupture the delicate, superficial capillaries. The condition is purely cosmetic and rarely indicates a serious health issue.
Contact Lens Use During Recovery
Contact lens wear must be discontinued immediately upon discovering a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Switching to eyeglasses during the recovery period is necessary to protect the compromised eye surface. Wearing a lens over the injury introduces risks that can complicate this otherwise harmless condition.
The lens can cause mechanical irritation to the damaged ocular surface, potentially delaying the natural healing process of the ruptured vessel. Lenses require handling during insertion and removal, which risks disturbing the fragile conjunctiva. This manipulation can exacerbate the initial injury and cause discomfort.
A serious concern is the increased risk of bacterial infection. Contact lenses, especially if not perfectly clean, can harbor microorganisms and trap them against the eye’s surface. The subconjunctival space, where the blood is pooled, represents a compromised barrier. An infection in this area could lead to conjunctivitis or more severe ocular complications. Lenses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before storing to eliminate potential pathogens.
Healing Expectations and Resuming Lenses
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a self-limiting condition that resolves entirely as the body reabsorbs the trapped blood. Complete clearance typically ranges from one to three weeks, depending on the initial size of the hemorrhage. No drops or treatments can accelerate this biological process.
As healing progresses, the blood patch will change appearance, similar to a bruise fading. The bright red color will gradually darken, then begin to turn yellow or greenish-yellow, as the hemoglobin is metabolized. This discoloration indicates the body is successfully breaking down the blood cells. Contact lens wear is safe to resume only once the eye has returned completely to its normal white color and there is no visible trace of the hemorrhage or associated irritation.
Identifying When Professional Care is Needed
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are benign, certain accompanying symptoms require immediate professional medical evaluation. The presence of pain, especially if persistent or severe, is not typical of a simple SH and suggests an alternative diagnosis. Any noticeable change in visual acuity, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight, should prompt an urgent visit to an eye care specialist.
If the bleeding appears over the clear dome of the eye (cornea), or if the hemorrhage is recurrent without a clear trigger, this may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Recurrent episodes, or bleeding in other parts of the body, may signal a systemic condition, such as an undiagnosed blood clotting disorder or uncontrolled high blood pressure. A medical professional must rule out these possibilities.