Finding a red dot in your eye can be unsettling. While often harmless, understanding its causes can alleviate concern and guide you on when to seek professional advice.
The Most Common Cause
The most frequent reason for a red dot in the eye is a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye, known as the sclera. Since this membrane does not quickly absorb blood, the leaked blood becomes trapped, creating a bright red or dark red spot on the sclera.
It typically does not cause pain or vision changes. Common triggers include actions that momentarily increase pressure in the head, such as forceful sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or straining during physical activity. Even rubbing the eyes too hard or eye trauma can lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The red spot usually resolves on its own within a few days to a few weeks, depending on its size, and may change color to yellow or orange as it heals, similar to a bruise.
Less Common Causes
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is the most common culprit, other conditions can also manifest as a red dot or localized redness in the eye. One such condition is episcleritis, an inflammation of the episclera, a clear tissue layer that sits between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. Episcleritis can appear as a red spot or a more diffuse redness, and may be accompanied by mild discomfort, tearing, or light sensitivity, though it typically does not affect vision.
Another possibility is a pinguecula, a yellowish or whitish raised growth on the conjunctiva, often near the edge of the cornea. While typically yellowish, a pinguecula can become inflamed, a condition called pingueculitis, causing it to appear red and swollen. Similarly, a pterygium, sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that can be white or reddish and may extend from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. Pterygia can also become inflamed, leading to redness and irritation, and are often linked to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, dust, and wind.
An ocular nevus, or eye freckle, is another potential cause for a spot on the eye. These are colored growths, similar to moles on the skin, and can appear on the conjunctiva, iris, or at the back of the eye. While often brown or yellow, a conjunctival nevus can sometimes have a reddish or mixed coloration. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, usually causes widespread redness but can sometimes present with more localized red areas, especially if there is irritation or discharge.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many red spots in the eye are harmless and resolve on their own, certain symptoms or circumstances warrant medical attention. Consult an eye care professional if the red spot is accompanied by eye pain, changes in vision such as blurriness or vision loss, or increased sensitivity to light. Discharge from the eye, a headache, or bruising around the eye also indicate a medical evaluation.
Seek care if the red spot resulted from an eye injury or trauma. If the red dot does not clear up within two to three weeks for a subconjunctival hemorrhage, or if you experience recurrent hemorrhages, see a doctor. These symptoms could signal a more serious underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s
When you visit an eye care professional for a red dot, they will typically begin with a detailed medical history and a physical examination. They may ask about when you first noticed the red dot, any associated symptoms, and your general health, including existing medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. A comprehensive eye exam will likely be performed to assess overall eye health and rule out more serious concerns.
This examination often includes a visual acuity test to check your vision and a slit lamp examination, which provides a magnified view of the eye’s structures. Depending on the findings, the doctor might check your blood pressure or, in rare cases, recommend blood tests if a bleeding disorder is suspected. For subconjunctival hemorrhages, observation is often the primary management, with artificial tears sometimes suggested for irritation. For other conditions, management will be tailored to the specific diagnosis, potentially involving medicated eye drops or, in some instances, surgical consideration for growths affecting vision or causing discomfort.