Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when small blood vessels in a baby’s eye break, leading to a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. This condition is often seen in newborns and can happen during delivery due to the pressure exerted during childbirth.
While it may look concerning, subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns is usually harmless and typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. Most babies do not experience any pain or vision issues as a result.
If parents notice any unusual symptoms or if the condition does not improve, consult a pediatrician for further evaluation. An infant subconjunctival hemorrhage lawyer can also determine if medical negligence caused or worsened the condition.
Does My Newborn Have Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
If you notice a bright red patch on the white part of your newborn‘s eye, it may be a sign of subconjunctival hemorrhage. To determine if your newborn has this condition, gently examine their eye for any unusual discoloration.
If the redness persists or worsens, or if your child experiences additional symptoms such as pain, vision changes, or unusual sensitivity to light, a visit to the pediatrician becomes even more crucial.
Your pediatrician can conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of the hemorrhage and assess whether any further evaluation is needed, such as checking for potential blood clotting issues. They can also provide guidance on appropriate care measures and alleviate any concerns you may have about your child’s eye health.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Common Causes for Infant Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
One common cause for infant subconjunctival hemorrhage is pressure during childbirth, particularly if the baby experiences a difficult delivery.
This pressure can occur during prolonged labor or if forceps are used. In this case, a forceps delivery injury lawyer can investigate. The strain on the delicate blood vessels in the eye can lead to rupture.
Additionally, minor eye injuries can result in this condition. Babies are naturally curious and may rub their eyes or accidentally bump them against objects or surfaces while playing or exploring. These gentle traumas can sometimes cause the blood vessels to rupture, leading to the appearance of a red patch.
Medical Negligence
The condition can result from medical negligence or poor decisions made by doctors and healthcare providers. In some cases, improper handling during delivery or a lack of timely intervention may contribute to the occurrence of these hemorrhages.
Medical errors that can lead to subconjunctival hemorrhage in a newborn include:
- Improper handling of the newborn during delivery
- Excessive force during delivery
- Failure to monitor the baby’s condition adequately
- Delayed intervention in case of complications
- Use of forceps or vacuum extraction without proper care
- Inadequate management of maternal conditions during labor
- Lack of appropriate prenatal care leading to complications
A birth injury lawyer will investigate the standard of medical care both the mother and infant received to determine if medical negligence played a role in causing or aggravating the condition.
Infant Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing infant subconjunctival hemorrhage typically involves a visual examination by a pediatrician or an ophthalmologist. The healthcare provider will look for the characteristic red or pink patch on the white part of the eye and assess the overall health of the newborn’s eyes.
In most cases, no additional tests are necessary, as the condition is usually straightforward to identify. There is no specific treatment, as the condition is self-limiting and tends to resolve on its own in a few weeks. Doctors might recommend eye drops to relieve itchiness or discomfort while the blood is being reabsorbed and the blood vessels are healing.
Parents are advised to monitor their baby for any changes in symptoms and seek medical attention if they notice signs of discomfort, persistent redness, or any other concerning symptoms.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
The Prognosis for an Infant With a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage can look alarming to parents due to the bright red patch on the white part of the eye, it is usually harmless. The body gradually reabsorbs the blood, and the redness will fade over time, often without any need for treatment. Most cases do not cause any discomfort or impact the baby’s vision, which can provide some reassurance to worried parents.
However, if there are concerns about the baby’s eye health or if the condition does not improve as expected, consult a pediatrician. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough examination to ensure there are no underlying issues contributing to the hemorrhage.
This is especially important if the baby exhibits additional symptoms, such as persistent redness, swelling, or any signs of pain or sensitivity to light. Addressing these concerns early can prevent complications.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Legal Support for Parents of Newborns With Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Most subconjunctival hemorrhages resolve without treatment, but in some instances, they can indicate a more serious type of birth injury. If your newborn experienced a subconjunctival hemorrhage, consult a birth injury lawyer who has experience handling these cases.
Birth Injury Lawyers Group has been helping families since 2003. Since then, we have recovered over $750 million for clients. We treat every case with care and respect. Call us today to share your story, and we will map out your next steps.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."