When you look in the mirror and see a bright red spot across the white of your eye, the sight can be alarming. This common phenomenon is known medically as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, essentially a bruise on the eye’s surface. It occurs when a tiny blood vessel ruptures beneath the clear membrane that covers the sclera, the white part of the eye. Despite the dramatic appearance, this condition is benign and does not affect your vision or the internal structures of the eye. It is a surface-level event that, in most cases, resolves without any long-term complications.
Identifying the Broken Blood Vessel
The condition is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, describing blood trapped under the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent tissue covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. When microscopic capillaries in this layer break, the blood is contained between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera, making the red patch appear vibrant. Since this membrane cannot quickly absorb the blood, it pools and becomes highly visible against the white background.
The rupture often results from a sudden increase in venous pressure within the head and chest. This pressure spike is commonly triggered by actions such as a forceful sneeze or a heavy coughing fit. Straining during a bowel movement, vomiting, or lifting a heavy object can also cause enough pressure to break a vessel. Minor trauma, like vigorously rubbing the eye or a slight poke, is another frequent cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
The Healing Timeline and Appearance Changes
The typical duration for the red spot to last is between one and three weeks. The healing period is similar to a bruise elsewhere on the body, though the time may vary depending on the size of the hemorrhage. The blood does not drain out of the eye; instead, the body slowly reabsorbs the trapped blood cells through the surrounding conjunctival tissue.
During resolution, the appearance of the spot changes, mirroring the fading of a bruise on the skin. Initially, the patch is bright red, but as the blood begins to break down, the color shifts. It transitions from bright red to a darker red or brown, developing a yellowish or greenish tint as the body processes the blood pigment. This discoloration indicates the successful breakdown and absorption of the old blood, and no specific medical treatment is usually necessary.
The size of the hemorrhage influences the time it takes to disappear, with larger spots sometimes requiring the full three weeks to clear. Throughout this period, the red patch may appear to migrate or settle toward the bottom of the eye as gravity and the body’s absorption work together. The lack of effect on vision and the absence of pain confirm that the condition is benign and self-limiting.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Certain accompanying symptoms suggest the need for medical evaluation. If you experience severe eye pain, or if the hemorrhage is accompanied by any changes to your vision, such as blurriness, seek professional care immediately. The presence of blood over the black or colored part of the eye (the iris and pupil) is another indicator of a more serious injury.
Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, or those that occur alongside easy bruising or bleeding from other parts of the body, warrant a consultation to investigate underlying systemic conditions. If the red spot fails to clear up within the expected three-week timeframe, see a doctor. Any hemorrhage that follows significant trauma to the head or eye should also be checked to rule out serious ocular injuries.