Hi, I just noticed my son’s eye got a big patch, like blood inside. I’ve included a photo if it. He says there is no pain or vision problems, but it looks quite scary lah. The only thing is, he has been sneezing a lot recently—could that be the reason? Should I bring him to a doctor, or will it go away on its own ah?
Hi, I just noticed my son’s eye got a red patch, like blood inside. I’ve included a photo if it. He says there is no pain or vision problems, but it looks quite scary lah. The only thing is, he has been sneezing a lot recently—could that be the reason? Should I bring him to a doctor, or will it go away on its own ah?
Best Answer
2 Answers
-
It sounds like your son may be experiencing a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is characterized by a localized area of bleeding on the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). This condition can indeed appear alarming, especially when it presents as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye, but it is often benign and self-limiting.
Given that your son reports no pain or vision problems, and considering the recent sneezing, it is plausible that the hemorrhage could have been triggered by increased pressure in the blood vessels during sneezing. This is a common cause, along with other activities that can lead to sudden increases in intrathoracic pressure, such as coughing or straining.
Key Points to Consider:
1. Symptoms: The absence of pain and vision changes is reassuring. Subconjunctival hemorrhages typically do not cause discomfort and do not affect vision.
2. Duration: These hemorrhages usually resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks as the blood is gradually reabsorbed by the body. During this time, the color of the patch may change, similar to a bruise.
3. Monitoring: While it is likely that the condition will resolve without intervention, it is important to monitor for any changes. If your son develops symptoms such as:
– Increased pain
– Changes in vision
– Recurrence of the hemorrhage
– Any signs of infection (such as discharge or increased redness)then it would be prudent to seek medical attention.
4. When to Seek Medical Advice: If the hemorrhage does not improve after two weeks, or if you have any concerns about his eye or overall health, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough examination to rule out any underlying issues, especially if there are recurrent episodes.
Conclusion:
In this case, if your son is otherwise healthy and the only symptom is the red patch without pain or vision issues, it is reasonable to monitor the situation at home. However, if you feel uncertain or if any concerning symptoms arise, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for reassurance and further evaluation.
Hi, thank you for the photo—it’s very helpful in understanding the situation. From what I can see, this looks like a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which happens when a small blood vessel in the eye bursts under the clear surface (conjunctiva).
This can be caused by straining, such as sneezing, coughing, or rubbing the eye. Since your son has been sneezing recently, that should most likely be the cause.
As long as there’s no trauma, no eye discharge, no itchiness, no pain, no blurry vision (BOV), and the redness is not spreading across the entire eye, it’s usually harmless and should clear up on its own within 1-2 weeks without needing treatment.
However, if it worsens, new symptoms appear, or this happens frequently, it’s best to get an eye assessment by an ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying issues.
Dr Abdul Razak
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Pusat Pakar Mata Dan Lasik Utara
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ppmlu.fb/?locale=ms_MY