Atypical case of subconjunctival hemorrhage

Abstract

Background : Red eye syndrome is the most common cause for primary care ophthalmological consults. One of the causes is subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is often asymptomatic. We now report a case of subconjunctival hemorrhage associated to atypical symptoms. Case presentation : A 50-year-old woman presents to the primary care setting with a two-day history of right eye redness. Direct clinical questioning reveals the presence of photophobia and diminished visual acuity. Both symptoms were later confirmed on clinical examination. The appearance of the eye was confirmatory for subconjunctival hemorrhage. Conclusions : Subconjunctival hemorrhage may present with symptoms of other eye-threatening conditions. Clinical examination is critical to distinguish between those causes and a benign subconjunctival hemorrhage.