When tears are mixed with blood, it presents an alarming sight, medically termed hematolacria. This rare phenomenon is a symptom, not a disease, indicating an underlying condition that requires attention. While visually striking, its infrequent occurrence makes it a topic of medical concern.
The Phenomenon of Hematolacria
Hematolacria manifests as tears tinged with blood, from faint pink to dark red. This reddish discharge results from blood mixing with the otherwise clear tear fluid. The blood can originate from the eye’s surface, tear drainage system, or surrounding structures, often affecting one eye but sometimes both.
While unsettling, bloody tears are typically not serious and may resolve spontaneously. However, their presence indicates a need for thorough medical evaluation. Identifying the root cause is important, as it can be associated with various underlying health issues.
Diverse Medical Origins
Blood in tears can stem from numerous medical conditions, categorized into ocular and systemic causes. Understanding these diverse origins is important for proper diagnosis and management.
Ocular conditions directly affecting the eye are frequent culprits. Trauma, such as a cut or rupture in the conjunctiva, can cause blood to mix with tears. The conjunctiva, a clear layer covering the white part of the eye, contains numerous blood vessels that can bleed if injured.
Infections and inflammation, including severe conjunctivitis or blepharitis, may also lead to bloody tears by causing tissue erosion and bleeding. Foreign bodies, tumors in or around the lacrimal apparatus, and blocked tear ducts can similarly result in hematolacria.
Systemic conditions affecting the entire body can also manifest as bloody tears. Blood clotting disorders, like hemophilia, can lead to excessive bleeding. Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) can cause fragile blood vessels to rupture.
Hormonal fluctuations are another possible systemic cause, with instances reported during menstruation, known as vicarious menstruation, where hormonal changes increase capillary permeability. Certain systemic diseases like anemia, jaundice, or severe disturbances of the autonomic nervous system have been correlated with hematolacria. Sometimes, despite investigation, no specific cause is identified; these are termed idiopathic cases.
Immediate Medical Consultation
Any instance of crying blood should prompt immediate medical evaluation. While often benign and self-resolving, hematolacria can signal a serious underlying condition requiring prompt attention. Seeking timely medical assessment ensures potentially severe issues are not overlooked.
A healthcare professional will conduct a thorough examination and gather relevant medical history. Patients should describe when bloody tears first appeared, their frequency, duration, and any other accompanying symptoms. Information regarding current medications, existing health conditions, and recent injuries is also helpful for diagnosis.
Investigating and Addressing the Cause
Diagnosing the cause of hematolacria involves a comprehensive approach by medical professionals. This begins with a detailed eye examination to inspect the conjunctiva, eyelids, and tear drainage system for visible abnormalities. A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including systemic diseases or medications, is also performed.
Further diagnostic steps may include blood tests for clotting issues, inflammation, or other systemic markers. Imaging studies, such as CT scans of the sinuses or orbits, might be utilized if a tumor or structural issue within the tear drainage system is suspected. In some cases, probing and irrigation of tear ducts or cultures of tear fluid may be necessary to identify blockages or infections.
Treatment for hematolacria targets the identified underlying cause. For infections, antibiotic eye drops or oral medications may be prescribed. Anti-inflammatory medications address inflammation, while trauma may require specific interventions depending on its severity.
If a systemic condition like high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder is the cause, managing that condition is the primary treatment. Surgical intervention might be considered for tumors or persistent blockages. When the cause remains unknown, conservative management and observation may be recommended, as many idiopathic cases resolve spontaneously.