Subconjunctival hemorrhage
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2008-06-01T15:09:58Z
DumZiBoT
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robot Adding: [[es:Hiposfagma]]
{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Subconjunctival hemorrhage |
ICD10 = {{ICD10|H|11|3|h|10}} |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|372.72}} |
}}
[[Image:Eye hemorrhage.jpg|right|thumbnail| A subconjunctival [[hemorrhage]] is a common and relatively minor post-[[LASIK]] complication.]]
A '''subconjunctival hemorrhage''' (or '''subconjunctival haemorrhage''') is bleeding underneath the [[conjunctiva]]. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile [[blood vessels]] that are easily ruptured or broken. When this happens, blood leaks into the space between the conjunctiva and [[sclera]].
Whereas a [[bruise]] typically appears black or blue underneath the [[skin]], a subconjunctival hemorrhage initially appears bright red underneath the transparent conjunctiva. Later the hemorrhage may spread and become green or yellow, like a bruise. Usually this disappears within 2 weeks. [http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic270.htm]
Although its appearance may be alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is generally a painless and harmless condition; however, it may be associated with [[high blood pressure]], or [[Physical trauma|trauma]] to the [[eye]].
==Causes==
*Minor eye trauma
*Spontaneously with increased venous pressure
:*Strenuous Exercising
:*[[Coughing]]
:*Touching/widening eyes
:*[[Sneezing]]
:*Pulling extreme [[g-forces]]
:*[[Vomiting]], particularly forced vomiting as seen in [[bulimia nervosa]]
:*[[Choking]]
:*[[Straining]]
:*Severe [[alcohol intoxication]], leading to [[Hypertension|raised blood pressure]]
*Blood [[dyscrasia]] (rare)
*Severe [[hypertension]]
*[[LASIK]]
*[[Blood thinner|Blood thinners]], such as ginger, capsaicin, ginseng, garlic, aspirin, or ''Herba'' if taken in high doses or combined. These can also make the vessels in the eye more susceptible to the pressure causes listed above.
*Diving accidents-Mask Squeeze (volume inside in mask creates increased pressure with increased depth)
*Severe thoracic trauma, leading to increased pressure in the extremities, including around the eyes.
Subconjunctival hemorrhages in infants may be associated with [[Scurvy|scurvy]] (a vitamin C deficiency)[http://www.whonamedit.com/synd.cfm/1151.html],[http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic628.htm], [[Child abuse|abuse]] or [[traumatic asphyxia syndrome]] [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15729281&query_hl=2].
==Treatment and management==
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically a self-limiting condition that requires no treatment in the absence of infection or significant trauma. The elective use of [[aspirin]] and [[NSAID]]s is typically discouraged.
A common symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, itchy eyes, is often treated by applying eye drops or artificial tears to the affected eye(s), however, this is discouraged, as it may slow down the healing process.
==External links==
* [http://www.fpnotebook.com/EYE47.htm FP Notebook]
* [http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic270.htm eMedicine]
{{Eye pathology}}
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
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<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: Image:JH eyescrop.jpg|Mask squeeze caused subconjunctival in free diving to 35ft -->
</gallery>
[[es:Hiposfagma]]
[[pt:Hemorragia subconjuntival]]