When a “vein pops” in your eye, it refers to a subconjunctival hemorrhage, a common and typically harmless condition. This occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of your eye, called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent layer of tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. Similar to a bruise on the skin, the blood from the broken vessel gets trapped because the conjunctiva cannot absorb it quickly.
What a “Popped” Eye Vein Looks Like
A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. This red spot can vary in size, from a small dot to covering a larger area. Although its appearance can be alarming, it is generally painless and does not affect vision. The blood is located on the surface of the eye and does not involve the iris or pupil. As the blood clears, the patch may change color, similar to a fading bruise, transitioning to a more yellow or even green hue before disappearing.
Why Eye Veins “Pop”
Many subconjunctival hemorrhages occur spontaneously. Other causes involve actions that briefly increase pressure in the head, such as:
Forceful coughing, sneezing, or vomiting
Straining during heavy lifting or bowel movements
Rubbing the eye roughly or minor eye trauma
Certain health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can make blood vessels more fragile
Taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin
When to See a Doctor and What to Expect
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless and resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. You should see a healthcare provider if the hemorrhage is accompanied by eye pain, changes in vision, or if it’s associated with a recent head or eye injury. Recurrent hemorrhages or being on blood-thinning medications also require evaluation to rule out underlying conditions like bleeding disorders or uncontrolled high blood pressure. In most cases, the blood spot will gradually clear on its own, typically within one to two weeks, though larger spots might take up to three weeks. No specific treatment is needed, but artificial tears can help alleviate any scratchy sensation.