A broken blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, creates a bright red patch on the white of the eye. Despite its dramatic appearance, this condition is generally harmless. It typically causes no pain or vision changes and often resolves on its own.
What is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera). This transparent layer contains numerous small blood vessels. When one of these vessels ruptures, blood becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, resulting in a distinct, bright red patch.
The appearance of this red spot resembles a bruise on the skin. Because the blood is contained on the surface and does not involve the cornea or the inside of the eye, it typically does not impair vision. Most individuals experience no pain, discharge, or changes in their vision, though some may notice a mild scratchy feeling on the eye’s surface.
Common Causes
Everyday activities and certain health conditions can lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Activities that temporarily increase pressure in the head, such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or straining during a bowel movement, are common triggers. Even heavy lifting or bending forward can contribute to such a rupture.
Minor eye trauma, including rubbing the eye too hard, can also cause these vessels to break. For contact lens wearers, inserting or removing them, or issues like dryness and friction, can increase the risk. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, can make a person more prone to bleeding and bruising, including subconjunctival hemorrhages. Underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes also increase susceptibility.
Home Care and Self-Management
A subconjunctival hemorrhage does not require specific medical treatment, as the blood reabsorbs naturally over time. The healing process is similar to a bruise; the bright red patch may change color, turning darker, then possibly yellow or green, as the blood breaks down and clears. This resolution typically occurs within one to two weeks, though larger hemorrhages may take longer.
Avoid rubbing the eye, as this could cause further irritation or re-bleeding. Normal daily activities can generally be continued. If there is any mild irritation or a scratchy sensation, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief. These drops address discomfort but do not speed up the reabsorption of the blood.
There is no method to accelerate the healing process. Do not discontinue any prescribed blood-thinning medications without consulting a doctor, even if they are a contributing factor. The condition is self-limiting and resolves as the eye gradually absorbs the trapped blood.
When to Consult a Doctor
While generally harmless, certain symptoms or circumstances warrant an evaluation by an eye care professional or general practitioner. If you experience eye pain, vision changes such as blurriness or double vision, or discharge from the eye, seek medical attention. These symptoms are not typical of a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage and could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as an infection, inflammation, or another type of eye injury.
A doctor should also be consulted if the hemorrhage occurred after significant head trauma, if you have recurring hemorrhages without a clear cause, or if the red spot does not begin to improve within a few weeks. Persistent or recurrent hemorrhages may suggest an underlying systemic issue, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, or other vascular concerns that require diagnosis and management. An eye care specialist can diagnose the condition and rule out more serious problems.