A burst blood vessel in the eye appears as a startling bright red spot on the white of the eye. This phenomenon, which often happens without pain or change in vision, is essentially a bruise on the eye’s surface. While the intense red color may cause concern, this condition is typically harmless and resolves on its own without medical intervention.
What is a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye?
The medical term for a burst blood vessel in the eye is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a tiny blood vessel ruptures beneath the conjunctiva, the clear, thin membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera). The conjunctiva contains many delicate capillaries that can break easily.
When a capillary bursts, the blood leaks out and becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera. Since the conjunctiva is transparent, the blood is fully visible and appears intensely bright red. Because the blood is trapped in this tight space, the red patch remains clearly demarcated until the body reabsorbs it.
Specific Causes of Eye Vessel Rupture
The most common causes involve actions that result in a sudden, temporary spike in blood pressure within the veins of the head and neck. This rapid pressure increase is known as a Valsalva maneuver. Actions that trigger this include violent coughing, forceful sneezing, vomiting, or significant straining during heavy lifting or bowel movements. This sudden pressure surge can cause the delicate vessel walls to rupture.
Direct physical impact or trauma to the eye is another mechanism for rupture. Even minor actions, such as rubbing the eyes too hard, can generate enough friction and pressure to break a vessel. Eye surgery, such as cataract procedures, can also temporarily increase the risk of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Underlying medical factors and medications can predispose an individual to these ruptures. Conditions like uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes make the small capillaries more fragile. Taking anticoagulant medications, commonly referred to as blood thinners, can also increase the likelihood and size of the bleeding event. In some cases, the rupture may occur spontaneously without an identified cause.
Healing Process and Urgent Symptoms
Healing for a subconjunctival hemorrhage is passive and requires no specific medical treatment, as the body gradually reabsorbs the pooled blood. The process is similar to how a bruise fades on the skin. The bright red patch typically begins to resolve within one to three weeks, depending on its initial size.
As the blood is broken down, the color of the patch will change, shifting from bright red to a darker, more yellowish or brownish tint before disappearing. Artificial tears may be recommended if the eye feels mildly irritated or gritty, but they do not speed up healing time. It is important to avoid rubbing the eye during this period to prevent further irritation or recurrence.
While the condition is usually harmless, specific symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor if the hemorrhage is accompanied by sharp eye pain, any loss or change in vision, or increased sensitivity to light. Other urgent signs include pus or thick discharge from the eye, or if the bleeding appears to be collecting over the colored part of the eye or pupil. Recurrent hemorrhages not tied to a clear cause should also prompt a visit to an eye care specialist.