subconjunctival

Subconjunctival is an anatomical term describing something located beneath the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. The subconjunctival space lies between the conjunctiva and the sclera and is bounded in part by Tenon’s capsule; it is a potential space that can accommodate blood, fluid, or implanted substances when accessed clinically.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is the most common use of the term in clinical practice. It occurs when a small ocular surface blood vessel ruptures, producing a bright red patch on the sclera that is usually painless and non-vision-threatening. Causes include eye rubbing, trauma, sudden venous pressure increases, or following eye surgery. The condition typically resolves within one to three weeks without treatment, though it may cause cosmetic concern or irritation.

Subconjunctival injections refer to delivering medication directly into the subconjunctival space. This route is used to administer steroids, antibiotics, or other agents in ophthalmic care, often after surgery or to treat local inflammatory or infectious conditions. The procedure carries risks such as subconjunctival hemorrhage, infection, or local toxicity, but is generally performed under sterile conditions by trained clinicians.

In ophthalmology, the subconjunctival space is also involved in surgical techniques and in the placement of implants or grafts. Understanding its location helps explain both common benign presentations and targeted therapeutic interventions, all within a framework of preserving vision and ocular surface health.