A “popped blood vessel in the eye” is medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition involves bleeding from a small blood vessel located over the white part of the eye, beneath the clear membrane called the conjunctiva. The result is a bright red spot on the white of the eye. Despite its appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is typically harmless and 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 within the tiny blood vessels of the eye. Forceful activities such as violent coughing, powerful sneezing, or intense vomiting can exert enough pressure to rupture these delicate vessels. Straining during activities like heavy lifting, bowel movements, or even childbirth can also contribute to this pressure increase.
Minor trauma to the eye or vigorously rubbing the eyes are other frequent triggers. For instance, a foreign object in the eye or rubbing the eye too hard can cause enough friction or direct impact to break a vessel. Contact lens use can also be a factor, as irritation from lenses may lead to increased eye rubbing, or direct trauma can occur during lens insertion or removal.
Underlying Health Factors
Certain medical conditions and medications can increase susceptibility to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. High blood pressure (hypertension) can weaken blood vessel walls, making them more prone to rupture. Diabetes can also compromise blood vessel integrity, increasing bleeding risk.
Individuals taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are at a higher risk. These medications interfere with the blood’s clotting ability, meaning that even minor pressure changes can lead to more significant or prolonged bleeding. Bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, also impair clotting and can make blood vessels more vulnerable to spontaneous hemorrhages. Recent eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, can temporarily increase the likelihood of a subconjunctival hemorrhage due to the manipulation of eye tissues.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless, specific symptoms or circumstances warrant a medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the hemorrhage is accompanied by persistent eye pain or any changes in vision, such as blurriness or vision loss. If the blood appears in the iris, the colored part of the eye, this could indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate attention.
Recurring subconjunctival hemorrhages, especially without an apparent cause, also suggest the need for further investigation. If the popped blood vessel is part of a broader pattern of unexplained bruising or bleeding elsewhere, such as bleeding gums, consult a doctor. Also consult a professional if the hemorrhage resulted from significant trauma to the eye or doesn’t clear within two to three weeks.
What Happens Next
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves on its own without requiring specific medical treatment. The body naturally reabsorbs the blood over time, similar to how a bruise heals on the skin. As the blood clears, the bright red spot will gradually change color, often progressing to shades of brown or yellow before disappearing completely.
The healing process usually takes one to two weeks, though larger hemorrhages may take a bit longer to fully fade. No treatment significantly speeds up this natural absorption. For any mild scratchiness or irritation in the eye, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide comfort. It is advisable to avoid rubbing the affected eye, as this can cause further irritation or minor damage.