A “popped eye blood vessel” is medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of the eye, appearing as a bright red patch on the white part. While alarming, it is generally a harmless condition that usually resolves without medical intervention.
Understanding the Condition
A subconjunctival hemorrhage involves a rupture of small, fragile blood vessels within the conjunctiva, a thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball. When a vessel breaks, blood leaks and becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying white part of the eye. This forms a distinct, bright red patch on the eye’s surface.
The blood does not spread or leak out of the eye because it is contained by the conjunctiva. Since the bleeding occurs on the surface and not inside the eye, it typically does not affect vision. Most individuals experience no pain, discharge, or changes in vision, though a mild scratchy sensation is sometimes reported.
Healing Timeline
The eye naturally heals a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The healing process typically spans one to two weeks. For larger hemorrhages, it may take up to three weeks for the blood to fully clear, as the body slowly reabsorbs the trapped blood. There is no specific treatment, such as eye drops or medication, that can accelerate this natural healing process.
As the blood reabsorbs, the appearance of the red patch will change, much like a bruise on the skin. Initially, the spot is a bright red, but it may gradually shift to shades of orange, yellow, or even brown before completely disappearing. The eye will return to its normal white appearance once the blood has fully dissipated.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless and resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent eye pain, discharge, or any vision changes like blurriness or double vision. These symptoms are not typical and could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Medical attention is also recommended if the hemorrhage does not fade within two to three weeks, or if you experience recurrent hemorrhages. Seek professional advice if it occurs after a significant eye or head injury, or if accompanied by other bleeding symptoms, like easy bruising or bleeding gums. These situations may suggest an underlying health condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes and Prevention
A subconjunctival hemorrhage often occurs due to a sudden, brief increase in pressure within the eye’s tiny blood vessels. Common activities include violent coughing, forceful sneezing, vomiting, or straining during bowel movements or heavy lifting. Vigorous eye rubbing can also lead to a vessel rupture. Sometimes, the cause remains unknown.
Certain health conditions and medications can increase the risk. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin. While not always preventable, general eye care can help. Avoiding vigorous eye rubbing is advisable. Managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and consulting with a doctor about medications that may increase bleeding risk, can also contribute to prevention.