A red dot on the white part of the eye is a common occurrence that can be alarming. While often harmless and self-resolving, some instances may signal an underlying issue. Understanding these characteristics helps determine when professional evaluation is needed.
Understanding Common Red Dots
The most frequent cause of a red dot on the eye is a subconjunctival hemorrhage, a broken blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva. This clear membrane covers the white part of the eye (sclera). When a tiny blood vessel ruptures, blood becomes trapped, creating a bright red patch.
This often happens without specific injury, triggered by actions like coughing, sneezing, straining, or rubbing the eye. Despite its appearance, it typically causes no pain or vision changes, though a mild scratchy sensation may occur. The spot usually absorbs within one to two weeks, changing color like a bruise as it heals.
Other common causes of redness include non-cancerous growths like pinguecula and pterygium. A pinguecula is a yellowish, raised bump on the conjunctiva, often near the nose. While usually asymptomatic, it can become irritated and inflamed, causing redness, dryness, or a foreign body sensation. A pterygium is a fleshy, triangular growth that can extend towards the iris, sometimes called “surfer’s eye.” It can also become red and inflamed, causing irritation, a gritty sensation, and dry eye symptoms.
When to Worry About a Red Dot
While many red spots are benign, certain accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Pain associated with the red dot can indicate a more serious problem. Vision changes, such as blurriness or double vision, also require immediate professional attention.
Additional warning signs include eye discharge, increased light sensitivity (photophobia), or a persistent foreign body sensation. Seek care if the redness spreads, or if the red dot is accompanied by systemic symptoms like headache or fever. Recurrent red spots without a clear cause, or in individuals with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled high blood pressure, require a medical check-up to rule out underlying health issues.
Medical Evaluation and Care
An eye care professional conducts a thorough examination for a red dot on the eye. This involves reviewing symptoms and medical history, followed by a visual inspection, often using a specialized microscope called a slit lamp to view eye structures. This helps determine the red spot’s nature and assess for underlying eye conditions.
For common conditions like subconjunctival hemorrhage, treatment is usually unnecessary as the spot resolves on its own. Mild irritation or dryness may be alleviated with artificial tears. If inflammation, such as episcleritis, is the cause, anti-inflammatory eye drops (e.g., corticosteroids, NSAIDs) may be prescribed. Addressing underlying systemic conditions like high blood pressure or bleeding disorders is an important part of the overall care plan if they contribute to recurrent red spots.