A broken blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny blood vessel ruptures just beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye. This common condition is harmless and resolves on its own without specific medical intervention.
Understanding a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
A subconjunctival hemorrhage presents as a bright red patch on the white portion of the eye. This redness is due to blood becoming trapped beneath the conjunctiva, similar to a bruise on the skin, as the conjunctiva does not absorb blood quickly. The size of the red spot can vary, from a small speck to a larger area covering much of the eye’s white surface.
This condition often arises from common actions that temporarily increase pressure in the head or eye, such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or straining during heavy lifting. Minor eye trauma, like rubbing the eye too vigorously, can also lead to a rupture. A subconjunctival hemorrhage causes no pain, discharge, or changes in vision, though some may experience a mild scratchy sensation on the eye’s surface.
What to Do (and Not Do) at Home
For most subconjunctival hemorrhages, no specific treatment is necessary, as the body naturally reabsorbs the blood over time. The red spot will gradually fade, much like a bruise, and may change color from red to brown, purple, or yellow as it heals. This healing process takes about one to two weeks, though larger spots might take longer to completely disappear.
Avoid rubbing the affected eye, as this can cause further irritation or worsen the condition. Unless prescribed by a doctor, refrain from using eye drops or attempting home remedies, as these do not speed up the healing process. For comfort, a gentle cool compress can be applied to the eye for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day, but this is for soothing and does not accelerate blood reabsorption.
When Professional Medical Attention is Needed
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are benign, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. You should consult an eye doctor or general practitioner if you experience eye pain, noticeable changes in your vision such as blurriness or double vision, or any discharge from the eye. Seek immediate care if you observe blood over the black part of your eye (the pupil) or experience redness or swelling around the eye accompanied by a fever.
A doctor’s visit is also recommended if the hemorrhage resulted from significant eye trauma, or if the redness does not begin to clear within 7 to 10 days. Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages also warrant medical attention, as they can signal underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or bleeding disorders requiring management.