A burst blood vessel in the eye, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of the eye. While often appearing alarming due to its bright red appearance, this condition is typically harmless. Nevertheless, it can occasionally signal a more significant underlying health issue, making it important to understand when medical evaluation is necessary.
Understanding a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye
A subconjunctival hemorrhage involves the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, and lines the inside of the eyelids. This delicate membrane contains numerous tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, which can easily rupture. When one of these vessels breaks, blood leaks out and becomes trapped beneath the conjunctiva, creating a prominent red spot.
The blood appears bright red because it is on the eye’s surface, exposed to oxygen, and not within the deeper structures of the eyeball. Despite its dramatic appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage usually does not cause pain, discharge, or affect vision. Common, benign activities such as forceful coughing, sneezing, straining during a bowel movement, vomiting, or heavy lifting can cause a sudden, temporary increase in blood pressure, leading to vessel rupture. Minor eye rubbing can also contribute to this phenomenon. In many instances, no apparent cause is identified, and the hemorrhage appears spontaneously.
Immediate Concerns Requiring Medical Attention
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages resolve without intervention, certain accompanying symptoms or circumstances indicate a need for immediate medical evaluation. If the redness in the eye is accompanied by pain, it could suggest a more serious condition beyond a simple burst vessel. Any changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or a sudden loss of sight, warrant prompt professional assessment.
The presence of discharge from the eye, increased sensitivity to light, or swelling around the eye should also prompt a visit to an eye care specialist. A history of recent eye injury or trauma, even seemingly minor, warrants examination to rule out deeper damage to the eye. If the subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs alongside severe headaches, nausea, or vomiting, especially without an obvious cause like straining, it is important to seek medical attention to investigate potential systemic issues.
Underlying Causes and Recurring Episodes
Beyond acute symptoms, certain systemic health conditions can contribute to the occurrence of subconjunctival hemorrhages, particularly if they are recurrent or appear without clear triggers. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common factor, as it can make the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva more fragile and prone to breaking. Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or even those with well-managed hypertension may experience these hemorrhages due to microvascular changes in their vessels.
Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or other conditions affecting blood clotting, significantly increase the likelihood of spontaneous or easily provoked bleeding, including in the eye. The use of blood-thinning medications, such as anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, can also increase the risk of subconjunctival hemorrhages by reducing the blood’s ability to clot effectively. When these episodes occur repeatedly without an identifiable cause, it may signal an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and management. Other conditions like diabetes and arteriosclerosis can also increase vessel fragility, especially in older adults, making them more susceptible to these eye bleeds.
Healing and What to Expect
For most subconjunctival hemorrhages, no specific medical treatment is usually required. The body naturally reabsorbs the blood, much like a bruise on the skin. The healing process generally takes about one to two weeks, though larger hemorrhages might take up to three weeks to fully clear.
As the blood is reabsorbed, the bright red patch on the eye will gradually change color, often transitioning to shades of orange, yellow, or even brown before disappearing completely. It is advisable to avoid rubbing the affected eye, as this could cause further irritation or re-bleeding. Unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional, using over-the-counter eye drops is generally unnecessary. If concerning symptoms, such as pain or vision changes, develop during the healing period, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.