Parents often notice an alarming bright red spot suddenly appearing in the white of their baby’s eye. Yes, babies can “pop a blood vessel,” and this phenomenon is frequently observed in infants. While the sight of blood can be frightening, this condition is typically harmless. This localized bleeding represents a minor injury to the eye’s surface structures, often resulting from common infant behaviors or the physical stress of birth.
What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
The medical term for this red spot is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (SCH). This occurs when a tiny, fragile blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera). Since the conjunctiva is transparent, the blood pools underneath, making the spot appear bright red and dramatically visible. The hemorrhage is flat, does not cause a noticeable bulge, and is usually painless for the baby.
The blood is trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, with no place to drain. The injury is superficial and does not involve the deeper, vision-related parts of the eye. The only symptom is the distinctive red patch itself, which does not affect the baby’s vision or cause discomfort. A healthcare professional can easily diagnose this condition simply by looking at the eye.
Common Triggers and Causes Specific to Infants
The rupture of these small vessels is directly related to a sudden, temporary increase in pressure within the head, neck, or chest. The mechanism is similar to the pressure changes that occur when an adult coughs or strains forcefully. In infants, the most frequent trigger for this pressure increase is a vigorous crying spell. Sustained, intense crying can raise the pressure in the veins of the head and face enough to cause the delicate capillaries in the eye to leak blood.
Severe bouts of coughing or sneezing can also generate sufficient pressure to cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Similarly, straining intensely during a bowel movement, particularly if the infant is constipated, can lead to this minor bleed. These activities create what is known as a Valsalva maneuver, where muscles in the chest and abdomen contract, causing a spike in internal pressure that affects the blood vessels in the eyes. The vessels are unable to withstand the abrupt pressure surge.
In newborns, the primary cause is often the physical stress of the birthing process itself, referred to as birth trauma. As the baby passes through the birth canal, the intense, prolonged pressure from uterine contractions and the tight space can compress the head and body. This significant, sudden change in pressure can easily rupture the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. This is why SCH is a very common finding immediately following a vaginal delivery. Assisted deliveries involving vacuum extraction or forceps may also increase this risk due to the concentrated force applied to the infant’s head.
The Prognosis: How Long Does It Take to Clear Up?
A Subconjunctival Hemorrhage is a benign condition that resolves on its own without medical intervention. The red spot does not impair the baby’s vision, and no specific treatment is required. The healing process involves the body reabsorbing the trapped blood, similar to a bruise fading on the skin. The blood cells break down and are naturally cleared away by the body’s systems.
The timeline for resolution is generally predictable, with most hemorrhages taking between one to three weeks to fully disappear. Larger spots may require a slightly longer period for complete reabsorption. As the spot begins to heal, it may change color, often transitioning from bright red to a yellowish or brownish hue. This color change is a positive sign, indicating that the blood is being broken down and cleared.
Parents should simply monitor the spot as it fades over time. The body’s natural healing capabilities are sufficient to resolve the hemorrhage without external assistance. The eye will return to its normal appearance once all the blood has been reabsorbed.
When the Red Spot Requires Immediate Medical Attention
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage alone is almost always harmless, the red spot can sometimes occur alongside or be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. It is important to seek prompt medical evaluation if the hemorrhage is accompanied by any signs of physical trauma, such as a known fall, bump, or injury to the baby’s face or head. The presence of other injuries suggests the pressure spike was due to an external force rather than a benign internal cause like crying.
Urgent medical consultation is warranted if the baby exhibits systemic symptoms, indicating the body as a whole is affected. These symptoms include fever, extreme lethargy, inconsolable irritability, or changes in feeding habits. If the red spot is accompanied by bleeding from other areas, such as the gums or nose, or unexplained bruising, it may indicate a potential bleeding or clotting disorder.
Recurrent, unexplained subconjunctival hemorrhages that happen frequently without a clear trigger like crying or straining should be reported to a pediatrician. Any visible changes to the pupil, the iris, or the baby’s ability to track objects could indicate a deeper, more serious ocular issue. In these instances, the red spot may be a minor symptom requiring further investigation.