Which statement is true about subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Which statement is true about subconjunctival hemorrhage?

• A. Usually painful
• B. Typically leads to vision loss
• C. Often caused by minor trauma or coughing
• D. Requires antibiotic therapy

Answer: (C)

Subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a small conjunctival vessel ruptures, leaking blood under the conjunctiva. It looks like a bright red patch on the white of the eye, is almost always painless, and vision stays normal. The bleeding often follows minor events that increase venous pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, straining, or minor trauma. Because it’s self-limited and not threatening to the eye, no antibiotics are needed and vision isn’t affected. That’s why the statement that it’s often caused by minor trauma or coughing is true. The other statements don’t fit: it’s typically not painful, it doesn’t usually cause vision loss, and antibiotics aren’t required.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a small conjunctival vessel ruptures, leaking blood under the conjunctiva. It looks like a bright red patch on the white of the eye, is almost always painless, and vision stays normal. The bleeding often follows minor events that increase venous pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, straining, or minor trauma. Because it’s self-limited and not threatening to the eye, no antibiotics are needed and vision isn’t affected. That’s why the statement that it’s often caused by minor trauma or coughing is true. The other statements don’t fit: it’s typically not painful, it doesn’t usually cause vision loss, and antibiotics aren’t required.