A broken blood vessel in the eye, medically termed a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny blood vessel just beneath the conjunctiva ruptures. The conjunctiva is a clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, and the inner surface of the eyelids. When one of these delicate vessels breaks, blood leaks out and becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, creating a bright red patch on the white of the eye. This appearance, while often alarming, usually looks worse than it is and is typically harmless, resolving on its own without treatment.
Everyday Actions and Straining
Many instances of a broken blood vessel in the eye stem from common actions that cause a sudden, temporary increase in pressure. Activities like vigorous coughing, forceful sneezing, or intense vomiting can create enough pressure to rupture small capillaries in the eye. Straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, or any strenuous physical exertion, including intense crying, can also lead to this. The visible redness typically disappears as the body reabsorbs the blood.
Underlying Health Conditions
Certain underlying health conditions can increase the likelihood of experiencing a broken blood vessel in the eye, sometimes making them recurrent. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a notable risk factor because chronic elevated pressure can weaken the walls of small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye. Diabetes, especially if not well-controlled, also contributes to vessel fragility. This condition can damage the small blood vessels (microangiopathy), impairing their structural integrity. Less commonly, certain blood clotting disorders or rare vascular conditions can impair the body’s ability to form clots or maintain vessel integrity, increasing bleeding propensity.
Medications and Eye Trauma
External factors and certain medications can also contribute to broken blood vessels in the eye. Blood-thinning medications, such as anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, increase the time it takes for blood to clot, making any bleeding more pronounced and potentially leading to larger or more frequent subconjunctival hemorrhages. Other medications, including certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can also have blood-thinning effects. Direct eye trauma is another common cause. This can range from minor incidents like rubbing the eye too vigorously to more significant injuries such as an accidental poke, a foreign object, or blunt force trauma. Improper contact lens insertion or removal can also cause localized irritation and vessel breakage.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically harmless and resolves on its own within a week or two, there are specific circumstances that warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the red patch in the eye does not significantly decrease in size or change color after two weeks. Seek medical advice if the broken blood vessel is accompanied by pain, changes in vision, or any discharge. Furthermore, if these hemorrhages occur recurrently without an obvious cause, or if they happen after significant eye or head trauma, a doctor’s assessment can help rule out more serious underlying conditions.