Experiencing a “bubble” in your eye can be disconcerting, whether it feels like something is trapped or appears as a visible blister. While often benign, various factors can cause this sensation or appearance.
Common Causes of a Bubble Sensation
Trapped air is a common cause, especially for contact lens wearers. Bubbles can lodge beneath a lens, creating pressure or a visible one. After swimming or using eye drops, small air pockets can also form on the eye’s surface, usually resolving with blinking.
Conjunctival cysts or blisters are small, fluid-filled sacs on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye. They often appear as clear or yellowish bumps and are harmless. They can develop due to inflammation, trauma, or spontaneously. They may cause a foreign body sensation but often disappear without intervention.
Non-cancerous growths, pinguecula or pterygium, can appear bubble-like. A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump, often composed of protein, fat, or calcium, usually on the white of the eye. A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth, pinkish with visible blood vessels, sometimes starting from a pinguecula and growing onto the cornea. Both are linked to prolonged exposure to UV light, wind, and dust.
Severe dry eye can mimic a foreign body or bubble sensation. Insufficient lubrication prevents smooth eyelid gliding, causing discomfort or a foreign body sensation. This persistent irritation may be interpreted as a bubble.
When a Bubble in Your Eye Needs Attention
While many “bubble” sensations are harmless, some signs indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a broken blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva, causing a bright red patch. Though alarming and sometimes raised, it is usually painless, doesn’t affect vision, and often resolves within weeks, like a bruise. However, recurrent hemorrhages or other symptoms warrant a check-up.
Gas or air bubbles are intentionally placed after certain surgical procedures, like retinal detachment repair. They hold the retina in place for healing. Duration varies by gas type: a few days for air, several weeks for specialized gases (SF6 or C3F8). Patients are advised on head positioning and restrictions (e.g., avoiding air travel) to ensure the bubble remains effective and safe.
Immediate medical attention is required for a sudden bubble accompanied by red-flag symptoms. Symptoms include sudden vision changes (blurriness or loss), eye pain, persistent redness, or discharge. New or worsening floaters (small specks) or flashes could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. These symptoms suggest a serious underlying condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management to prevent permanent vision impairment.
Next Steps and Eye Care
If you notice a bubble sensation, gentle observation is often the first step. Avoid rubbing your eye; this can increase irritation or worsen any underlying issue. Gentle blinking can help dislodge small particles or redistribute the tear film.
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, can provide comfort and alleviate symptoms, especially if dry eye is a factor. They help create a smoother surface for blinking and reduce foreign body sensation.
Consult an eye doctor if the bubble sensation persists, causes discomfort, or is associated with vision changes. A professional examination is also important if you experience pain, increased redness, discharge, or are unsure about the cause. Regular comprehensive eye exams are valuable for maintaining eye health and detecting issues early.