A popped blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny, fragile blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. This allows a small amount of blood to leak and become trapped, creating a bright red patch. While the appearance can be dramatic and alarming, the condition is typically painless and harmless, resolving without intervention. Since the bleeding occurs on the eye’s surface, this visible spot does not affect vision. Most people discover the red spot incidentally when looking in a mirror.
Identifying the Cause and Immediate Steps
The sudden appearance of the red spot is often the result of a temporary and sharp increase in pressure within the veins of the head and neck. This pressure spike ruptures the delicate capillaries on the eye’s surface. Common, benign triggers include forceful actions like a violent sneeze, a bout of coughing, or a severe episode of vomiting. Physical strain from heavy lifting, intense exercise, or straining during a bowel movement can also cause this condition. If the hemorrhage occurs spontaneously without a clear external cause, it is considered idiopathic, though it may signal a need to check for underlying conditions.
The immediate action is to remain calm and avoid touching or rubbing the eye, as this can cause further irritation. Avoid using unprescribed eye drops, especially those designed to “get the red out,” as they do not treat the underlying issue and may cause rebound redness. Artificial tears may provide symptomatic relief if you experience mild irritation or a gritty feeling, but they do not speed up blood absorption. Monitoring overall health is also important, particularly keeping high blood pressure stable to prevent recurrence.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a simple popped vessel is typically benign, certain “red flag” symptoms suggest the issue may be more serious and require professional medical evaluation. Seek immediate care if the red patch is accompanied by eye pain or throbbing discomfort. Changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or partial loss of sight, indicate a problem beyond the surface of the eye. If the bleeding occurred following a direct injury to the eye, head, or face, an immediate assessment is necessary to rule out deeper damage.
The appearance of discharge, especially if it is thick or colored, is a warning sign that may point toward an eye infection or inflammation. A doctor’s visit is also warranted if the bleeding appears to involve the colored part of your eye (iris) or the black center (pupil), rather than just the white sclera. Recurrent episodes that happen frequently or without any clear, forceful trigger should be investigated for systemic conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or an underlying blood clotting disorder.
Understanding the Healing Process
The time it takes for the red patch to disappear depends largely on its initial size, but in most cases, the blood is fully reabsorbed by the body within one to three weeks. The blood spot fades over time, much like a bruise on the skin. As the body breaks down and clears the blood cells, the color of the patch will change. The bright red color typically transitions to a brownish or purplish hue, and then often a faint yellowish tint before disappearing completely. This color progression is a normal part of the breakdown of hemoglobin. There is no known treatment, medication, or procedure that can speed up this natural biological process. The condition remains harmless throughout the healing time, and no permanent damage or vision impairment results from the event itself.