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What Is Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis?

Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva that includes noticeable bleeding under the surface tissue of the eye. It often causes a bright red patch on the white of the eye along with swelling and irritation. A well-known form is acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, which is usually viral and spreads easily. Symptoms can start suddenly and affect one or both eyes. While many cases improve in about a week, medical review helps rule out other causes of eye bleeding.

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What Is Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis?

Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva that includes noticeable bleeding under the surface tissue of the eye. It often causes a bright red patch on the white of the eye along with swelling and irritation. A well-known form is acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, which is usually viral and spreads easily. Symptoms can start suddenly and affect one or both eyes. While many cases improve in about a week, medical review helps rule out other causes of eye bleeding.

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How Does Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis Spread?

Viral hemorrhagic conjunctivitis spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions. Touching the eyes after handling contaminated items can also pass the virus. Shared towels, pillows, makeup, and close-contact settings raise risk. People are often most contagious when symptoms are active. Hand hygiene and avoiding eye touching help reduce spread.

What Are Common Signs of Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis?

People often notice a cluster of symptoms that start quickly. You might see several signs at once, even within hours of onset:

  • Redness with a visible blood patch on the white of the eye
  • Watery discharge and a gritty or burning sensation
  • Eyelid swelling and light sensitivity
  • Feeling like something is in the eye
  • Tearing with irritation that worsens during the day

When Should You See a Doctor for Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis?

Seek care if pain is strong, vision becomes blurry, or light sensitivity is intense. Contact lens wearers should stop lenses and get checked because corneal involvement needs prompt care. If thick pus-like discharge appears, a clinician may check for bacterial infection. Children, older adults, and people with immune issues should be evaluated sooner. A clinician can also confirm when it is safe to return to work or school.

How Can You Tell Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis From A Simple Blood Patch In The Eye?

A simple blood patch (subconjunctival hemorrhage) often looks dramatic but usually feels normal, aside from mild irritation. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis tends to come with other symptoms like burning, watery discharge, eyelid swelling, and a gritty feeling, since it involves inflammation or infection. The redness can also spread quickly and may affect one or both eyes. If you wear contacts, stopping lens wear and getting checked is smart because corneal involvement can change the care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hemorrhagic conjunctivitis the same as a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

No, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding under the conjunctiva without an infection. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis includes inflammation and often other symptoms like discharge and swelling. An exam can sort out which one is present.

How long does hemorrhagic conjunctivitis last?

Many viral cases improve in about five to seven days. Redness or irritation can linger a bit longer for some people. A clinician can help if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Should you wear contact lenses with hemorrhagic conjunctivitis?

No, you should stop wearing contacts until the eye is fully healed. Wearing lenses can worsen irritation and raise the risk of corneal problems. Replace lenses and case after recovery if advised by your eye doctor.

What helps prevent spreading it to other people?

Wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes. Do not share towels, pillowcases, makeup, or eye drops. Clean high-touch items like phones and doorknobs during the symptomatic period.

References

Viral Conjunctivitis. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470271/. Date Accessed March 23, 2026.

Conjunctivitis. EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Conjunctivitis. Date Accessed March 23, 2026.

Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis. ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/acute-hemorrhagic-conjunctivitis. Date Accessed March 23, 2026.

Acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreak attributed to coxsackievirus A24. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal. https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/1226/1270. Date Accessed March 23, 2026.

Conjunctivitis. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541034/. Date Accessed March 23, 2026.