A sudden, bright red patch appearing on the white of the eye can be an alarming sight, often prompting immediate concern about a serious injury or internal bleeding. This dramatic visual change can look much worse than it actually is. The appearance of a burst capillary in the eye is a common phenomenon that rarely indicates a severe health problem. Understanding the nature of this event can help to alleviate the initial shock and provide a realistic perspective on the condition.
Defining the Symptom: A Broken Capillary
The medical term for a burst capillary in the eye is a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is essentially a bruise on the eye’s surface. This condition involves the leakage of blood from tiny, fragile blood vessels located beneath the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent, thin membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball, known as the sclera, and lines the inner surface of the eyelids.
The blood becomes trapped in the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera because the conjunctiva is anchored only loosely to the underlying tissue. Since this transparent membrane holds the blood in place, the red spot often appears vivid and sharply defined. Unlike other forms of ocular redness, this condition is characterized by a single, solid patch of blood without discharge, pain, or changes in vision.
Common Causes and Triggers
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically occurs following a sudden, brief increase in pressure within the veins of the head and upper body. This abrupt pressure spike can cause the delicate capillaries in the conjunctiva to rupture. Common physical actions that initiate this include forceful sneezing, coughing fits, or vomiting.
Straining during a bowel movement or lifting a heavy object can also trigger a hemorrhage by causing what is known as a Valsalva maneuver. Direct, minor trauma, such as rubbing the eye too vigorously or a light poke, can physically break a vessel. In many instances, however, a clear cause for the burst vessel is never identified, and the event may occur spontaneously.
Certain systemic factors can increase the likelihood of these events by affecting the integrity of the blood vessels or the body’s clotting ability. Conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) can put chronic stress on the capillary walls. The use of certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, may also make a person more prone to bleeding from minor triggers.
When Immediate Medical Attention Is Necessary
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is generally harmless, certain accompanying symptoms serve as “red flags” that require immediate professional evaluation.
Symptoms Requiring Evaluation
- Significant eye pain, which is not typical for this condition.
- Any change in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight, suggests that the bleeding may involve deeper structures of the eye.
- A hemorrhage that occurs following a direct and forceful injury to the eye or head.
- If the blood appears to cover the iris, it may indicate a different and more serious condition called a hyphema.
- Repeated, frequent occurrences without any discernible cause should prompt a visit to investigate possible underlying issues, such as a blood clotting disorder or undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Home Care and Recovery Timeline
In most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage requires no specialized treatment because the body is fully capable of resolving the issue on its own. The process is much like a bruise healing elsewhere on the body, with the blood gradually being reabsorbed by the surrounding tissues. There is no need for medication to speed up this natural clearance process.
The typical recovery period ranges from one to three weeks, depending on the size of the hemorrhage. As the blood breaks down, the spot will visibly change color, often transforming from a bright red to a yellowish or brownish hue before completely disappearing. This color change is a normal part of the healing process and is a sign that the body is metabolizing the blood pigments.
To manage any mild gritty sensation or irritation, a person may use over-the-counter artificial tear drops for comfort. It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this could cause further irritation. If a person takes blood-thinning medication and experiences a hemorrhage, they should not stop the medication but should discuss the event with their prescribing physician.