Subconjunctival haemorrhage in the eye of a 79 year old female patient. This occurs when a blood vessel breaks in the white of the eye. Then blood builds up below the conjunctiva, the transparent layer which lies over the white of the eye. There are several possible causes for developing this condition such as eye injury, infection and violent sneezing, coughing, or vomiting. Subconjunctival haemorrhages usually do not cause pain or swelling and do not affect vision. Most people will not need any treatment and the condition improves on its own within a few weeks.