A subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye), producing a dark red area over the white of the eye.
The condition often occurs spontaneously or may result from a minor eye injury, sneezing, coughing, or, rarely, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually painless and clears up in a few weeks without treatment, but medical advice should be sought if it persists or if the eye is painful.