What can commonly trigger subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface covering the white part of the eye. This condition can be triggered by activities or situations that increase pressure in the body or eye, leading to the rupture of these tiny blood vessels.

Heavy lifting is a recognized trigger because it can rapidly increase intrathoracic pressure and subsequently impact the blood vessels in the eyes. The sudden change in pressure can cause vessels to rupture, leading to a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Although the other options might contribute to various ocular issues, they are not commonly associated with causing subconjunctival hemorrhages. Excessive sunlight exposure might lead to other eye problems such as photokeratitis or pterygium but does not increase the risk of blood vessel rupture. Similarly, using contacts for extended periods can lead to irritation or infection but not specifically to subconjunctival hemorrhage. Consuming spicy food may cause temporary irritation to the eyes or induce tears but would not affect vascular integrity in a way that leads to hemorrhaging. Therefore, heavy lifting stands out as the primary activity with a strong correlation to this particular ocular condition.