Correlation Between Recurrent Subconjunctival Hemorrhages and Conjunctivochalasis by Clinical Profile and Successful Surgical Outcome

OBJECTIVE:To characterize the clinical profile of patients with recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages (SCHs) and evaluate the effect of conjunctivochalasis (CCh) surgery on disease recurrences.METHODS:Three hundred and sixty-two patients with SCHs (mean age, 56.4±16.0 years) were enrolled in this multicenter epidemiologic study. The severity of CCh, lifestyle at the time of SCH onset, and the frequency of previous SCHs were compared. Thirty-eight patients with 2 or more episodes of SCHs (mean age, 68.2±8.9 years) underwent surgery for CCh. The effectiveness of surgery was evaluated by comparing the frequency of SCH preoperatively and postoperatively.RESULTS:Patients with three or more recurrent SCHs showed a significantly (P=0.003) higher grade of CCh and tended to be engaged in activities that require visual concentration, such as watching a visual display terminal, knitting, reading, and driving. More than 80% of eyes that underwent surgery to CCh showed no recurrence of the hemorrhages, and the frequency of SCH significantly (P<0.0001) decreased postoperatively.CONCLUSIONS:Moderate or severe CCh and activities that may cause dry eye can be considered to be risk factors for recurrent SCHs. Surgery to treat CCh is a useful option for patients with frequent recurrences of SCHs.