Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Red patch on the white of the eye from a broken blood vessel

A clearly defined red patch on the white of the eye is often a subconjunctival haemorrhage. It is usually painless, does not affect vision and clears up on its own. Pain, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, injury or bleeding elsewhere are not typical of a harmless patch.

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A clearly defined red patch on the white of the eye is often a subconjunctival haemorrhage. It is usually painless, does not affect vision and clears up on its own. Pain, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, injury or bleeding elsewhere are not typical of a harmless patch.

  • A flat, bright red patch with clear edges on part of the white of the eye.
  • Normal vision without deep eye pain or strong sensitivity to light.
  • Do not rub or massage the eye, and never puncture the patch.
  • Take a photograph in daylight to monitor recovery.
  • Call the same day if you have pain, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, an injury or an abnormal pupil.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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E
EpiscleritisEpiscleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.
Y
Yellow bump on the white of your eyeA small raised yellowish-white spot on the white of the eye is often a pinguecula: a benign change in the conjunctiva, the thin covering over the white of the eye, associated with factors such as sun, wind and dryness. The spot usually does not grow over the cornea and often needs no treatment. Pain, light sensitivity, poorer vision, an injury or a suddenly very red eye does not fit an uninflamed pinguecula and needs prompt assessment.
R
Red eyeA red eye is a symptom with many causes. Itching or discharge is often harmless, but pain, sensitivity to light, worsening vision, contact lens use, an abnormal pupil, a newborn baby or an eye injury requires prompt assessment.