A burst blood vessel in the eye, medically termed a subconjunctival hemorrhage, appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. While its sudden appearance can be alarming, this condition is typically harmless and rarely indicates a serious underlying problem.
What a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye Is
A subconjunctival hemorrhage involves bleeding beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. This occurs when tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva break, trapping blood between it and the underlying sclera. It’s like a bruise on the eye’s surface, visible because the conjunctiva is clear. A subconjunctival hemorrhage usually presents as a distinct, bright red area and typically does not cause pain, affect vision, or cause discharge or light sensitivity.
Common Reasons for Occurrence
Many factors can lead to a burst blood vessel in the eye, often involving sudden increases in pressure. Common triggers include straining from vigorous coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or constipation. Even intense physical exertion, like heavy lifting, or forceful nose blowing can rupture these delicate vessels.
Direct trauma to the eye, such as rubbing or a minor injury, can also cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, can increase the likelihood of such bleeding. Often, a specific cause for the hemorrhage cannot be identified.
When to See a Doctor
While often harmless, certain symptoms accompanying a burst blood vessel warrant medical evaluation. If the visible blood is accompanied by changes in vision, such as blurriness or a sudden loss of sight, medical attention is advised.
Persistent eye pain or discharge from the eye also indicates a need for professional assessment. A recent history of eye injury, especially if significant, means a doctor should examine the eye promptly. If subconjunctival hemorrhages occur frequently without a clear cause, this could signal an underlying health condition.
Managing and Monitoring at Home
For a typical burst blood vessel in the eye, where no warning signs are present, no specific medical treatment is usually necessary. The blood reabsorbs naturally over time, similar to how a bruise fades on the skin. This healing process usually takes one to two weeks.
During this time, the color of the patch may change from bright red to orange or yellow as the blood breaks down. It is important to avoid rubbing the eye, as this could irritate the area or cause further damage.
A burst blood vessel in the eye, medically termed a subconjunctival hemorrhage, appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. While its sudden appearance can be alarming, this condition is typically harmless and rarely indicates a serious underlying problem.
What a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye Is
A subconjunctival hemorrhage involves bleeding beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. This bleeding occurs when tiny, fragile blood vessels in the conjunctiva break. The blood then becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera.
This condition is essentially a bruise on the eye’s surface, visible because the conjunctiva is clear. A subconjunctival hemorrhage usually presents as a distinct, bright red area and typically does not cause pain or affect vision.
Common Reasons for Occurrence
Many factors can lead to a burst blood vessel in the eye, often involving sudden increases in pressure. Common triggers include straining from vigorous coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or constipation. Even intense physical exertion, like heavy lifting, or forceful nose blowing can rupture these delicate vessels.
Direct trauma to the eye, such as rubbing too hard or a minor injury, can also cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, can increase the likelihood of such bleeding. In many instances, a specific cause for the hemorrhage cannot be identified.
When to See a Doctor
While often harmless, certain symptoms accompanying a burst blood vessel warrant medical evaluation. If the visible blood is accompanied by changes in vision, such as blurriness or a sudden loss of sight, medical attention is advised.
Persistent eye pain or the presence of discharge from the eye also indicates a need for professional assessment. A recent history of eye injury, especially if the impact was significant, means a doctor should examine the eye promptly. If subconjunctival hemorrhages occur frequently without a clear cause, this could signal an underlying health condition.
Managing and Monitoring at Home
For a typical burst blood vessel in the eye, where no warning signs are present, no specific medical treatment is usually necessary. The blood reabsorbs naturally over time, similar to how a bruise fades on the skin. This healing process usually takes one to two weeks.
During this time, the color of the patch may change from bright red to orange or yellow as the blood breaks down. It is important to avoid rubbing the eye, as this could potentially irritate the area or cause further damage.