A sudden red dot on the white part of your eye can be a concerning sight. This appearance signals a burst blood vessel on the eye’s surface. While often harmless, this common occurrence can prompt worry about eye health.
Understanding the Red Dot in Your Eye
The medical term for a red dot in the eye is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a small blood vessel breaks directly beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. When one of these fragile vessels ruptures, blood becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera, creating a bright red patch. This accumulation of blood is similar to a bruise on the skin, appearing vividly red but causing no pain or vision impairment. The blood remains contained under the conjunctiva and does not leak out of the eye itself.
Common Reasons for a Red Dot
Many subconjunctival hemorrhages occur without an easily identifiable cause. However, common actions can trigger these ruptures.
Activities that briefly increase pressure in the veins, such as coughing, sneezing, or vomiting, are frequent culprits. Straining during activities like lifting heavy objects or experiencing constipation can also lead to a red dot.
Direct irritation or minor trauma to the eye surface can also cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage, including vigorous eye rubbing or getting poked in the eye. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, can increase the likelihood of these hemorrhages by making blood vessels more prone to bleeding. Underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or bleeding disorders can also be associated with a red dot. In older individuals, conditions like diabetes and arteriosclerosis can contribute to vessel fragility.
When to Consult a Doctor
While often benign, certain symptoms accompanying a red dot in the eye warrant medical evaluation. If you experience pain in the affected eye or any changes in vision, such as blurriness, loss of vision, or double vision, seek immediate medical attention. These are not typical symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Recurrent red dots without an obvious cause should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. If the red dot occurs after a head injury or significant trauma, seek prompt medical assessment to rule out more severe eye damage. The presence of a red dot alongside bleeding from other parts of the body, like nosebleeds or gum bleeding, could suggest a broader bleeding disorder and necessitates medical consultation.
Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should also consult their doctor if they notice a large or frequently recurring red dot. If the red dot does not begin to fade within one to two weeks, or if there is suspicion of an underlying condition like uncontrolled high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder, professional medical advice is recommended.
What to Expect for Healing
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves on its own without specific medical treatment. The healing process mirrors that of a bruise on the skin. The bright red spot may change color as the blood is reabsorbed, often transitioning to a yellowish or greenish hue before disappearing completely.
Healing time varies, generally ranging from one to three weeks, depending on the initial size of the blood patch. No specific medication or eye drops can speed up this natural absorption. To avoid exacerbating the condition, refrain from rubbing the affected eye. The lack of pain and preservation of vision are reassuring signs during healing.