A popped blood vessel in the eye, appearing as a bright red spot on the white part, can look alarming. This common occurrence is usually harmless and does not indicate a serious problem. It often resolves on its own without specific treatment.
Understanding a Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye
The medical term for a popped blood vessel in the eye is subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface covering the white of your eye. The blood becomes trapped under this layer, making the red spot visible.
Most cases are not painful and do not affect vision. Common causes include coughing, sneezing, straining, vomiting, vigorous eye rubbing, or heavy lifting.
How the Eye Heals Naturally
The eye heals naturally from a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The blood trapped under the conjunctiva will naturally reabsorb over one to two weeks. This process is similar to how a bruise on the skin fades, with the color often changing from bright red to shades of orange, yellow, or green before disappearing completely.
No specific medical treatment is required to speed up the reabsorption process. Applying a cool compress to the closed eyelid may offer comfort for mild irritation, and artificial tears can help if there’s a scratchy feeling. These measures do not accelerate the natural healing timeline.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most popped blood vessels are benign, certain symptoms or circumstances warrant a visit to an eye doctor or general practitioner. Seek medical attention if you experience pain, changes in vision like blurriness or double vision, or discharge from the eye. A popped blood vessel occurring after an eye injury should also be evaluated by a doctor.
Repeated occurrences of subconjunctival hemorrhage without a clear cause, or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, are also reasons to consult a doctor. These situations may indicate an underlying health condition.
Preventing Popped Blood Vessels
Preventing future subconjunctival hemorrhages involves several practices. Avoiding vigorous eye rubbing prevents minor trauma to delicate eye vessels. Managing conditions that cause chronic coughing or sneezing, such as allergies or colds, can also be beneficial.
Maintaining overall eye health contributes to prevention. Managing underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes is also important, as these can increase the risk of such occurrences.