Differential Diagnosis for Bleeding in Conjunctiva
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage: This is the most common cause of bleeding in the conjunctiva, often resulting from a sudden increase in pressure (e.g., coughing, sneezing, or straining) that causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to rupture. It is usually benign and resolves on its own.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva can lead to bleeding, especially if caused by an infectious agent or an allergic reaction.
- Trauma: Direct injury to the eye can cause bleeding in the conjunctiva.
- Contact lens-related complications: Poorly fitting lenses or lens-related eye infections can lead to conjunctival bleeding.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to conjunctival bleeding due to vascular damage.
- Diabetes mellitus: Diabetic retinopathy can cause bleeding in the eye, including the conjunctiva.
- Sickle cell disease: This condition can lead to vascular occlusions and subsequent bleeding in various parts of the body, including the eyes.
- Infectious diseases (e.g., endophthalmitis): Severe infections within the eye can cause conjunctival bleeding and are medical emergencies.
- Rare diagnoses
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, including the conjunctiva, which can lead to bleeding.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels can cause conjunctival bleeding, although this is a rare condition.
- Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors of the conjunctiva can cause bleeding, but these are uncommon.