Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What benign condition often resolves without treatment and presents as bright red spots on the eye?

1. Subconjunctival hemorrhage

2. Corneal abrasion

3. Acute uveitis

4. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis

The correct answer is: Subconjunctival hemorrhage

The condition that often resolves without treatment and presents as bright red spots on the eye is subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when small blood vessels break just underneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface covering the white part of the eye. The bright red spots are a result of the accumulation of blood, which can look alarming but is typically harmless and often resolves within one to two weeks without any need for medical intervention. Subconjunctival hemorrhage is not associated with pain or vision changes, which distinguishes it from other conditions like corneal abrasions or acute uveitis, both of which involve symptoms like pain, discomfort, or blurred vision. Additionally, acute bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by redness as well but is accompanied by discharge and often requires treatment with antibiotics. The benign nature of subconjunctival hemorrhage and its self-limiting characteristic make it an important differentiation point in clinical practice.