What is the primary symptom of subconjunctival hemorrhage?

The primary symptom of subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch in the eye. This occurs when small blood vessels break just under the conjunctiva (the clear surface of the eye), causing blood to accumulate in that area. The result is typically a well-defined, bright red area that is easily visible and can be alarming for patients, but it is often harmless and usually resolves on its own.

Persistent pain, loss of vision, and increased eye pressure are not characteristic of subconjunctival hemorrhage. In most cases, patients do not experience any pain because the conjunctiva itself does not have pain receptors. Similarly, loss of vision and increased eye pressure would suggest other ocular conditions that require different assessments and interventions, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment, rather than a benign subconjunctival bleed. Thus, the bright red patch is the definitive and hallmark symptom of this condition.