A “popped blood vessel in the eye” is medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks beneath the clear surface of the eye, called the conjunctiva. The blood then becomes trapped, resulting in a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. While its appearance can be alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is generally a common and harmless occurrence. It causes no pain, discharge, or changes in vision.
Understanding the Causes
A subconjunctival hemorrhage often results from a sudden increase in pressure, which can cause delicate blood vessels in the eye to rupture. Common actions include violent coughing, powerful sneezing, or straining during activities like heavy lifting or bowel movements. Vomiting can also generate enough pressure to break a vessel.
Minor eye trauma, such as vigorous rubbing or inserting contact lenses, can also cause it. Sometimes, the reason remains unknown, occurring spontaneously. Certain health conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood-thinning medications, can increase the fragility of these blood vessels.
Management and Natural Resolution
A subconjunctival hemorrhage resolves on its own without medical treatment. The red patch will gradually fade as the body naturally reabsorbs the blood, much like a bruise healing on the skin. The color may change to shades of orange or yellow before disappearing.
The healing timeline ranges from one to two weeks, though larger hemorrhages may take up to three weeks to fully clear. While there is no treatment to speed up this natural absorption process, artificial tears can be used if you experience minor irritation or a scratchy sensation in the eye. Avoid rubbing your eye, as this could exacerbate the condition or cause irritation.
Indications for Medical Consultation
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are benign, certain symptoms or circumstances warrant a medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if the hemorrhage is accompanied by significant eye pain, changes in your vision (such as blurriness or double vision), or any discharge from the eye. Sensitivity to light also warrants assessment.
Also seek consultation if the hemorrhage occurs after a recent head or eye injury, or if you experience recurrent popped blood vessels. If the hemorrhage does not show signs of improvement or resolve within the two to three-week timeframe, seek advice from an eye doctor. If the hemorrhage is linked to unexplained bruising or other bleeding issues, a doctor can help determine if an underlying systemic condition exists.