Which condition could lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage involves bleeding beneath the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye. This condition commonly arises from various forms of straining, such as heavy lifting, vigorous coughing, or sneezing, which can suddenly increase pressure in the blood vessels, leading them to rupture. Trauma to the eye, whether from an injury or impact, similarly causes these blood vessels to break, resulting in bleeding.

While allergic reactions can cause redness and irritation, they do not typically lead to the kind of vascular rupture seen in a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Dry eye syndrome primarily affects tear production and the surface of the eye, causing discomfort but not bleeding beneath the conjunctiva. Cataract formation involves the clouding of the lens of the eye and does not directly cause subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Thus, the condition that could lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage is accurately identified as straining or trauma, as both directly affect the vascular integrity of the conjunctival area.