Vomiting, an unpleasant experience, can lead to various temporary effects on the eyes, though severe and permanent damage is uncommon. The body’s forceful reaction can induce changes in ocular appearance and sensation. Understanding these potential effects helps distinguish between harmless, transient symptoms and those warranting medical attention.
Immediate Ocular Effects
The most noticeable immediate effect of vomiting on the eyes is often the appearance of red patches. This phenomenon, known as subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when tiny blood vessels beneath the clear surface of the eye (the conjunctiva) rupture. Intense straining during vomiting, similar to coughing or sneezing, causes a sudden increase in pressure within the veins of the head and chest. This elevated pressure can lead to these delicate capillaries breaking, resulting in a bright red spot on the white part of the eye.
While alarming in appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically harmless and does not affect vision. The blood, trapped under the conjunctiva, cannot be wiped away, much like a bruise. These red spots usually resolve within one to two weeks, changing color as they heal. Some individuals might experience a mild scratchy or gritty sensation, but there should be no pain, discharge, or vision changes.
Systemic Impacts on Eye Health
Beyond direct pressure effects, vomiting can also influence eye health indirectly through broader bodily changes, particularly dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Vomiting leads to fluid loss, and if not adequately replaced, this can result in dehydration. Dehydration affects the eyes by reducing tear production, necessary for lubricating and protecting the eye’s surface. This can cause symptoms such as dry, irritated, itchy eyes, a gritty sensation, or even temporary blurred vision.
Severe or prolonged vomiting can also disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are minerals essential for numerous bodily functions, including nerve and muscle activity. While rare for vomiting alone to cause severe imbalances directly affecting the eyes, extreme cases could potentially impact eye movement or vision due to their role. Such systemic issues and their ocular symptoms typically improve once the underlying dehydration or electrolyte imbalance is corrected through rehydration and medical management.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many eye symptoms following vomiting are temporary and benign, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. Consult a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening eye pain, as a subconjunctival hemorrhage typically causes no pain. Changes in vision, such as sudden blurriness, double vision, flashes of light, new floaters, or any loss of vision, require prompt medical attention. These symptoms could indicate more serious underlying conditions, some related to the strain of vomiting, such as a retinal issue or increased intraocular pressure.
Additional concerning symptoms include severe headaches accompanied by eye pain, sensitivity to light, or if vomiting is severe and prolonged, leading to signs of significant dehydration like sunken eyes or confusion. If the red patch on your eye is accompanied by pus or thick discharge, swelling around the eye, or if it doesn’t begin to clear within a few weeks, seeking medical advice is advisable. A doctor can determine if symptoms are linked to vomiting or signal an unrelated eye condition.