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Overview
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is the bursting of a tiny blood vessel in the protective tissue covering the eye. This clear tissue, called the conjunctiva (kun-JUNK-tih-vuh), covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (sub-kun-JUNK-tih-vul HEM-uh-ruj) can be thought of as similar to a bruise, when a blood vessel breaks in skin tissue. When a blood vessel in the conjunctiva bursts, the blood isn't absorbed right away. Instead, it leaks between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye.

Minor trauma may cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. But even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel in the conjunctiva to burst. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may look alarming, but it's usually a harmless condition that doesn't need treatment. It typically disappears within a few days to a few weeks.