When a blood vessel appears to “pop” in your eye, it often presents as a bright red patch on the white part. This occurrence, while visually alarming, is typically harmless. The red discoloration results from blood pooling just beneath the eye’s clear surface and generally does not indicate a serious health problem.
Understanding the Condition
The medical term for a “popped blood vessel in the eye” is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition arises when tiny, fragile blood vessels located under the conjunctiva break.
The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eyeball (sclera) and lining the inner surface of the eyelids. This membrane contains numerous microvessels.
When one of these small vessels ruptures, blood leaks out. Because the conjunctiva is clear and tightly bound to the underlying sclera, the blood becomes trapped in this superficial space. The blood appears bright red against the white background of the eye, similar to a bruise. Importantly, this bleeding occurs on the eye’s surface, not within the eyeball itself, meaning it does not affect vision.
Common Triggers
Subconjunctival hemorrhages often result from sudden, temporary increases in pressure within the eye’s tiny blood vessels. Common everyday actions can lead to this, including forceful coughing, vigorous sneezing, vomiting, or straining during heavy lifting or bowel movements. Such activities can temporarily elevate blood pressure, causing a small vessel to rupture.
Physical actions like rubbing the eye too hard or a minor eye injury can also cause these vessels to break. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin, increase the likelihood of bleeding. In some instances, a subconjunctival hemorrhage may occur spontaneously without any identifiable cause, or it might be associated with underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can make blood vessels more fragile.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is often harmless, certain accompanying symptoms or recurring instances warrant medical evaluation. Consult a doctor if the red spot is accompanied by eye pain. Changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision, also indicate a need for professional assessment.
Seeking medical attention is important if there is any discharge from the eye or if the hemorrhage results from a significant eye injury or trauma. Individuals with a history of high blood pressure or bleeding disorders should have recurrent hemorrhages checked, as these could signal an underlying systemic issue. If the subconjunctival hemorrhage happens frequently or does not resolve within two to three weeks, a doctor can investigate potential underlying causes.
Recovery and Self-Care
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves on its own without specific medical treatment. The blood is gradually reabsorbed by the body, much like a bruise fading. This healing process usually takes one to two weeks, though larger hemorrhages may take longer. As the blood clears, the red patch may change color, transitioning to a yellowish tint before disappearing completely.
During recovery, vision remains unaffected, and there is usually no pain, though some individuals might experience a mild scratchy sensation. Artificial tears, available over-the-counter, can provide relief if the eye feels irritated or dry. Avoid rubbing the affected eye, as this could cause further irritation or re-bleeding. There are no specific treatments or remedies that can speed up the absorption of the blood.