A “popped blood vessel” in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a small blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva breaks. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, and it contains many tiny, delicate blood vessels. When one of these vessels ruptures, blood becomes trapped under this transparent layer, appearing as a bright red spot or patch on the white of the eye. While its appearance can be alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage typically looks much worse than it is, and it usually does not cause pain or affect vision.
Common Triggers
Common actions can lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage by causing a sudden, temporary increase in pressure. Forceful activities like coughing, sneezing, or vomiting can strain eye blood vessels, leading to rupture. Straining during a bowel movement or heavy lifting can elevate pressure in the head and chest, which may also cause these delicate vessels to break. Minor trauma to the eye, such as vigorous rubbing, getting poked, or even improper contact lens insertion or removal, can directly injure the vessels and result in bleeding.
Underlying Medical Factors
Certain medical conditions and medications increase susceptibility to subconjunctival hemorrhage. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor, weakening blood vessel walls over time and making them prone to rupture. Blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) also increase risk by reducing the blood’s clotting ability, leading to more pronounced or frequent bleeding. Furthermore, certain bleeding disorders that impair the body’s natural clotting mechanisms can predispose someone to recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages. Diabetes is another condition that can contribute to vessel fragility, particularly in older individuals.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless and resolve on their own, but certain symptoms or circumstances warrant medical evaluation. Seek attention from an eye doctor or general practitioner if the hemorrhage is accompanied by eye pain, vision changes (like blurriness or loss), or eye discharge. If you experience sensitivity to light, or if the red spot does not begin to clear within two to three weeks, a medical consultation is recommended. Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, or if the bleeding occurs alongside unexplained bruising elsewhere on the body, should also prompt a visit to a healthcare provider to investigate potential underlying systemic issues like uncontrolled hypertension or a bleeding disorder.
Distinguishing from Other Eye Conditions
Understanding how a subconjunctival hemorrhage differs from other causes of eye redness is helpful. A subconjunctival hemorrhage presents as a distinct, bright red patch with clear borders, usually painless and without vision impact. In contrast, conjunctivitis (pink eye) involves widespread redness with itching, burning, and discharge, symptoms absent in a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Allergic reactions in the eye also cause diffuse redness, but they are typically characterized by intense itching and watery discharge rather than a localized blood spot. More serious conditions like acute glaucoma or iritis often involve significant eye pain, noticeable changes in vision, and heightened sensitivity to light, symptoms that are not associated with a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage.