Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage. Close-up of an eye showing spontaneous bleeding, known as a sub- conjunctival haemorrhage. Blood from a ruptured blood vessel has escaped below the conjunctiva, the delicate mucous membrane that covers the eye. The condition is sometimes called red eye". In this case it occurred spontaneously with no known cause (idiopathic), although it is sometimes associated with hypertension. Usually it is pain- less & heals itself. Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage may also occur following minor injury to the eye or even after vigorous nose-blowing. It may also occur in conditions of conjunctivitis, iritis, and glaucoma (high pressure within the eyeball)."