Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in Newborns
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAO, NIH guidelines
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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye caused by a small broken blood vessel under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the eye). This is very common in newborns, occurring in up to 30-40% of vaginal deliveries due to pressure during birth. It is painless, does not affect vision, and resolves completely on its own within 1-3 weeks without any treatment.
Key takeaways
- A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch on the white of the eye caused by a small broken blood vessel under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the eye). This is very common in newborns, occurring in up to 30-40% of vaginal deliveries due to pressure during birth. It is painless, does not affect vision, and resolves completely on its own within 1-3 weeks without any treatment.
- Usually normal when: A bright red flat patch appears on the white of a newborn's eye within the first few days after vaginal delivery
- Call your doctor if: The red eye is accompanied by eye pain, significant swelling, discharge, or the baby cannot open the eye, which could indicate a more serious eye injury or infection
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Subconjunctival hemorrhages are most often noticed in the first few days after birth. They appear as a flat, bright red patch on one part of the white of the eye. The baby is not bothered by it and the eye is otherwise normal with no discharge, swelling, or tearing. The blood slowly reabsorbs over 1-3 weeks and may turn yellow or brownish as it fades, similar to how a bruise changes color.
3-6 months
Birth-related subconjunctival hemorrhages should have resolved by now. New hemorrhages at this age are uncommon but can occur after a bout of hard crying, coughing, or vomiting. They remain harmless and resolve on their own. If hemorrhages are occurring repeatedly without an obvious cause, discuss this with your pediatrician.
6-12 months
A subconjunctival hemorrhage at this age might result from a minor eye injury, forceful coughing or vomiting, or rubbing the eyes. A single episode is not concerning and does not require treatment. Multiple or recurrent episodes may prompt your doctor to check for bleeding disorders, though this is rare.
12 months+
Toddlers may develop subconjunctival hemorrhages from minor trauma, coughing, or straining. The appearance can be alarming, but the condition is benign and self-resolving. If your child has a subconjunctival hemorrhage associated with an eye injury, ensure there is no deeper damage by having the eye evaluated if there is pain, vision changes, or discharge.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A bright red flat patch appears on the white of a newborn's eye within the first few days after vaginal delivery
- The red patch is not raised, the eye is not swollen, and there is no discharge
- The baby shows no signs of discomfort and the eye functions normally
- The red patch gradually fades over 1-3 weeks without treatment
- The hemorrhage does not resolve within 3 weeks
- Your baby develops recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages without an obvious cause like hard crying or coughing
- The hemorrhage occurs in an older infant or toddler alongside easy bruising elsewhere on the body
- The red eye is accompanied by eye pain, significant swelling, discharge, or the baby cannot open the eye, which could indicate a more serious eye injury or infection
- A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs after head trauma, especially if the baby also has other bruising, vomiting, or behavioral changes, as this could indicate non-accidental injury or other serious conditions
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in Newborns.
Things to mention
- The hemorrhage does not resolve within 3 weeks
- Your baby develops recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages without an obvious cause like hard crying or coughing
- The hemorrhage occurs in an older infant or toddler alongside easy bruising elsewhere on the body
Observations to share
- The hemorrhage does not resolve within 3 weeks
- Your baby develops recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages without an obvious cause like hard crying or coughing
- The hemorrhage occurs in an older infant or toddler alongside easy bruising elsewhere on the body
Urgent signs to report immediately
- The red eye is accompanied by eye pain, significant swelling, discharge, or the baby cannot open the eye, which could indicate a more serious eye injury or infection
- A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs after head trauma, especially if the baby also has other bruising, vomiting, or behavioral changes, as this could indicate non-accidental injury or other serious conditions
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns normal?
When should I call the doctor about subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns?
When is subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns normal?
What causes subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns?
Is subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns normal at 0-3 months?
Is subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns?
Does subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the red eye is accompanied by eye pain, significant swelling, discharge, or the baby cannot open the eye, which could indicate a more serious eye injury or infection.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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