A broken blood vessel in the eye, a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny blood vessel ruptures beneath the clear surface of the eye. The conjunctiva, this clear surface, covers the white part of the eye and contains numerous small blood vessels. When one of these fragile vessels breaks, blood becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera. While its appearance can be startling, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically harmless and does not affect vision. Most cases resolve on their own without the need for medical treatment.
What It Looks Like
A subconjunctival hemorrhage manifests as a bright or dark red patch on the white part of the eye, ranging from a small pinpoint to covering a significant portion. It generally causes no pain or changes in vision. Some might experience a mild scratchy or gritty sensation, but there is typically no discharge. As the blood is reabsorbed, the red patch will gradually fade, often changing color to yellow or brown, similar to a bruise. Complete resolution usually occurs within one to three weeks.
Common Daily Factors
Many instances of broken blood vessels in the eye stem from everyday activities that temporarily increase pressure in the head or eye. Actions like coughing, sneezing, or vomiting can cause a spike in blood pressure, leading to vessel rupture. Straining during bowel movements or from heavy lifting also elevates pressure, contributing to rupture. Even minor eye trauma, such as rubbing the eye too vigorously, can cause small blood vessels to break. These common occurrences are among the most frequent causes of subconjunctival hemorrhages.
Deeper Medical Reasons
While often caused by common actions, broken blood vessels in the eye can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor, as it can weaken blood vessel walls over time, making them more susceptible to rupture; diabetes can also affect the integrity of blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye, increasing their fragility. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, reduce the blood’s ability to clot, which can lead to more frequent or larger hemorrhages even from minor pressure. Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, impair the body’s natural clotting mechanisms, thereby increasing the likelihood of spontaneous bleeding, including in the eye. Severe eye infections can also contribute to vessel fragility and rupture, and complications from eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, are known to cause subconjunctival hemorrhages due to the manipulation and pressure changes involved in the procedure.
Knowing When to Get Help
Although most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless and resolve on their own, certain signs warrant medical attention. If bleeding is accompanied by pain, changes in vision, or discharge from the eye, consult a healthcare provider. Recurrent episodes of broken blood vessels in the eye, especially without an obvious cause, should also prompt a medical evaluation to rule out underlying systemic conditions. Individuals who experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage after head trauma or a direct eye injury should seek immediate medical assessment. If taking blood-thinning medications or having a known bleeding disorder, inform your doctor about any eye bleeding. A doctor may check blood pressure or review medications to identify potential contributing factors.