A subconjunctival hemorrhage, commonly known as a broken blood vessel in the eye, appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. While it often looks more severe than it is, this condition occurs when a tiny blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye, ruptures.
What is a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye?
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a delicate blood vessel within the conjunctiva breaks. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane covering the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball. When a vessel breaks, blood leaks out and becomes trapped between these layers, spreading to create a vivid red spot. This visible blood does not typically cause pain, discharge, or changes in vision, which helps distinguish it from more serious eye conditions.
Common Everyday Triggers
Many broken blood vessels in the eye result from everyday activities that temporarily increase pressure within the head or eyes. Forceful actions like coughing, sneezing, or vomiting can lead to a sudden rise in venous pressure, causing small vessels to rupture. Straining during bowel movements or heavy lifting can also exert sufficient pressure to trigger a hemorrhage. Even habits like rubbing the eyes too vigorously can cause a vessel to break due to friction or increased pressure. Sometimes, a person might wake up with a subconjunctival hemorrhage, possibly due to eye rubbing during sleep.
Medical Conditions and Medications
While often benign, a broken blood vessel in the eye can sometimes signal underlying medical conditions or be a side effect of certain medications. Conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) can weaken blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye, making them more prone to rupture. Diabetes also impacts blood vessel integrity, increasing susceptibility to bleeding. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or newer anticoagulants (e.g., Eliquis, Xarelto), significantly increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding disorders that affect the blood’s clotting ability can also lead to recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, and direct eye trauma or recent eye surgery can also be contributing factors.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Although many broken blood vessels in the eye resolve without intervention, medical evaluation is advisable in specific situations. If the red spot is accompanied by eye pain, vision changes (such as blurriness or double vision), or discharge from the eye, consult an eye doctor. A headache or light sensitivity alongside the hemorrhage also indicates a need for professional assessment. Medical attention is also important if the hemorrhage occurs after significant eye trauma, or if episodes become recurrent without an obvious cause. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should consult their healthcare provider if they experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage, as a medical professional can assess the cause and determine if any underlying conditions, like uncontrolled blood pressure, require management.