Subconjunctival hemorrhage: overview and management.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a commonly presenting clinical problem for the optometrist. Although it is usually benign, it can be caused by a variety of entities, each with their own important sequelae. It is necessary to perform a comprehensive work-up of a patient with this problem including a thorough case history to rule out trauma, infection, medications, or systemic disease as the causative agent. The anatomy of the conjunctiva is reviewed, examination procedures are described, management issues are discussed, and case reports are presented.