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Expert Q&A

Why is there blood in the corner of my eye?

Asked by Anonymous, United States

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I noticed some blood in the corner of my eye when I woke up this morning. My eye doesn't hurt and I can see fine. I don't remember poking it with anything. What could this mean?

Expert Bio Picture

Living Well Expert Dr. Jennifer Shu Pediatrician,
Children's Medical Group

Expert answer

Thanks for your question. Without seeing your eye, but hearing that there hasn't been any traumatic injury, my best guess is that you have what's called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, or bleeding beneath the clear outer layer of the eyeball.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages often appear without an apparent cause but may be caused by simply sneezing, coughing or vomiting. I also frequently see them in the eyes of newborn babies and their mothers within the days just after delivery.

Ask our expert doctors a question

These spots usually go away on their own within a few weeks. Sometimes they change colors -- such as to a green, brown or yellow tint -- much as a bruise might.

It's important to see your doctor if the hemorrhage doesn't improve or keeps happening. Also seek medical care if you have other areas of bleeding in your body, are taking a blood-thinning medication, have signs of an infection (such as fever), or or if you have pain or problems with your eyesight.

Good luck!

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