What can cause a conjunctival hemorrhage?

Conjunctival hemorrhage refers to the breaking of small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, which leads to the appearance of a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to fragile blood vessels that are more prone to rupture, making it a common and well-known cause of conjunctival hemorrhages. Elevated blood pressure increases the strain on blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes, potentially leading to bleeding in the conjunctival area without any accompanying pain or significant visual disturbances.

In contrast, diabetes primarily affects the retina and can lead to diabetic retinopathy, but it is not a direct cause of conjunctival hemorrhage. Glaucoma medications do not typically cause this condition either; instead, they are more aimed at lowering eye pressure rather than affecting blood vessels in the conjunctiva. Similarly, cataracts relate to the clouding of the lens of the eye rather than any vascular changes in the conjunctiva. Therefore, high blood pressure stands out as the primary risk factor that can directly lead to conjunctival hemorrhage.