What is the treatment for subconjunctival hemorrhage?

• A. Supportive care; no referral to ophthalmology needed
• B. Topical antibiotics
• C. Urgent referral
• D. Steroid drops

Answer: (A)

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a benign, self-limited rupture of a small conjunctival vessel, so the eye is red but vision is unchanged and there is typically no pain or discharge. The best approach is supportive care and reassurance because these hemorrhages resolve on their own over 1–3 weeks and do not require drugs or specialist evaluation in the absence of red flags.

Offer simple comfort measures such as lubrication for irritation and a brief cool compress early on; advise against rubbing the eye. Referrals or medications are reserved for signs that raise concern for other problems, such as new or worsening pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, trauma suggesting globe injury, recurrent hemorrhages, or systemic bleeding disorders. If someone is on anticoagulants, continue as advised by their physician, but monitor for the red flags above. This is why the recommended approach is supportive care with no urgent ophthalmology referral.