subconjunctival hemorrhage and intermittant orbital pain

[marciabene]

A brief history: I'm a woman who is 61 years of age. Several years ago I had cataract surgery for both eyes and everything seemed to go fine. About 4 months ago I woke up in the morning and noticed a subconjunctival hemorrhage in my left eye. Never had one before and I have no clue what triggered it. I felt some discomfort in the eye and went to see an opthamologist. He conducted a full exam and saw no eye diseases or tumors whatsover ... just the subconjunctival hemorrage which he didn't seem concerned about. My blood pressure tends to be low so he ruled that out as a factor. He did give me some drops for dry eyes because I live in a desert area. Within the week the subconjunctival hemorrhage disappeared as did my eye pain. However, since that subconjunctival hemorrhage appeared, from time to time I have orbital pain in both eyes, sometimes one, sometimes the other. Nothing severe but I wondered if the subconjunctival hemorrhage might be a precursor or symptom of some other type of problem. Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you.

[jansails]

I have been having SCH for several years now.  The eye doctor has not been concerned.  Two days ago another vessel broke and I have more blood in my than ever before.  It covers slightly over 1/2 of the white part of my eye.  Should I see my eye doctor?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

So both of us think its unlikely.

JCH MD

[marciabene]

Thanks for your prompt reply. The eye doc I saw also told me that subconjunctival hemorrhages are very, very common. I just wondered if there is any possible link between a SCH and intermittant orbital pain since I never experienced any orbital pain before the SCH.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Subconjunctival hemorrhages are as common as dirt (I've seen two in my clinic today) and rarely a sign of anything serious in patients not on strong blood thinners (coumadin).

Only in the rarest of cases would it be a sign of something bad.

If the orbital pain gets worse see an Eye MD. Pain is a differnt deal entirely than SCH.

JCH MD