Eye and bleeding in the white of

There are many blood vessels that run in between your conjunctiva (the clear surface of your eye) and sclera (the white of your eye). Subconjunctival haemorrhage happens due to some of these tiny blood vessels bursting and bleeding.

In most cases, there isn't a clear cause, but causes can include:

• an eye injury or head injury
• coughing, sneezing or vomiting
• eye rubbing
• high blood pressure
• a bleeding disorder or a tendency to bleed easily
• medicines such as an anticoagulant, eg, aspirin
• strenuous activity, eg, heavy lifting.

Bleeding in the white of your eye usually causes no symptoms other than the red patch. Occasionally, you can feel some mild irritation. It doesn't affect your vision as the central part of your eye is not affected. 

No treatment is needed. It will clear itself in about 2 weeks. However, see your doctor if you:

• haven't had your blood pressure checked recently
• think an eye injury or a flying object caused it 
• have bleeding in other parts of your body
• keep having recurrent subconjunctival haemorrhages.