# Attention to Eye Haemorrhages!

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/attention-to-eye-haemorrhages

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-06

> **Summary:** Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez, Chief Physician of Kudret Eye İstanbul, explains the two main kinds of eye bleeding: visible bleeding on the white of the eye (subconjunctival haemorrhage) and the riskier bleeding behind the eye, which is often a sign of diabetes, hypertension or retinal disease. Bleeding behind the eye can lead to permanent vision loss, so a specialist should be consulted at the slightest complaint.

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## Bleeding on the White of the Eye
- Medically called subconjunctival haemorrhage; visible from outside.
- Most often follows straining (coughing, sneezing, lifting) and trauma; high blood pressure is a less common cause.
- Conjunctivitis, inflammation and infection of the thin membrane covering the sclera (from bacteria, viruses or allergies), also reddens the eye by making surface vessels prominent; it is treated with medication under a specialist's supervision.
- Complaints, even when present, are often neglected, which can lead to irreversible damage.

## Bleeding Behind the Eye
Not visible from outside, and therefore riskier.
- **Main cause:** diabetic retinopathy, in which diabetes damages the blood vessels of the retina.
- **Other causes:** hypertension, infections behind the eye, trauma, retinal tears, retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration.
- Diabetes and hypertension develop insidiously; routine eye examinations protect eye health and help detect diseases that threaten general health.

## Symptoms
- Bleeding from blows or trauma can be painful; bleeding from high blood pressure (hypertensive retinopathy) and other causes is usually painless.
- Sudden loss of vision or decreased vision
- Shaded vision, a red-coloured image in front of the eye
- Floaters or spider-web-like images

## Treatment
- The cause of bleeding is determined first; if blood prevents a clear view of the retina, ultrasonographic imaging is requested.
- Bleeding from a retinal tear requires urgent surgery.
- Bleeding from systemic diseases such as diabetes is followed up: the patient rests upright for 15 - 20 days, uses double pillows and attends check-ups.
- If the haemorrhage has not cleared after follow-up, the blood and vitreous are removed with vitrectomy.
- Whatever the cause, bleeding behind the eye may result in permanent vision loss.

## References
- What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Vitreous Hemorrhage, EyeWiki (AAO)
- Diabetic retinopathy, NHS