A sudden red spot on the white of the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, can be alarming. While it might suggest a serious issue, this common occurrence is typically harmless and resolves on its own, usually causing more visual concern than physical discomfort.
Understanding a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye
A subconjunctival hemorrhage develops when tiny, fragile blood vessels beneath the conjunctiva rupture. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye, known as the sclera. When a vessel breaks, blood becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, creating a bright red patch. This pooling of blood does not typically affect vision, nor does it usually cause any pain or discharge from the eye.
Common Causes of Eye Bleeds
Various everyday activities can lead to the rupture of these delicate blood vessels. Straining from activities such as a forceful cough, a strong sneeze, or vomiting can significantly increase pressure in the head and neck, which can cause the small vessels in the eye to burst. Similarly, intense physical exertion like heavy lifting or straining during a bowel movement due to constipation can also elevate internal pressure, contributing to a hemorrhage.
Direct physical actions can also be a factor. Rubbing the eyes too vigorously can exert enough pressure to break superficial capillaries. Even minor eye trauma, such as an accidental poke from a finger or a foreign object entering the eye, can damage these tiny vessels.
Certain medications also increase the likelihood of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel, reduce the blood’s ability to clot effectively. This means that if a small vessel is damaged, the bleeding might be more pronounced or last longer than it would otherwise, making a hemorrhage more noticeable.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While most burst blood vessels in the eye are benign, certain circumstances warrant medical evaluation. If the red patch is accompanied by eye pain, changes in vision such as blurriness or double vision, or any discharge from the eye, it could indicate a more serious condition.
A burst blood vessel that occurs following significant trauma to the eye or head, such as a direct blow, requires immediate medical attention. Such an event could be a sign of deeper injury to the eye or surrounding structures. Individuals experiencing recurrent hemorrhages without any apparent cause should also consult a healthcare professional. Frequent episodes might suggest an underlying issue that needs investigation.
If you are currently taking blood-thinning medications and experience very frequent or unusually large hemorrhages, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor. This could indicate that your medication dosage needs adjustment or that there is an underlying bleeding tendency. Furthermore, conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or certain blood clotting disorders can weaken blood vessel walls or impair the body’s natural clotting mechanisms, making individuals more prone to these bleeds and necessitating medical management.
Recovery and Prevention
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves naturally as the blood is reabsorbed by the body. The red patch will gradually fade over one to two weeks, often changing color from bright red to a yellowish hue, similar to how a bruise heals. Specific treatment, such as eye drops or patches, is generally not needed for uncomplicated cases.
To reduce the risk of future occurrences, it is advisable to avoid vigorous eye rubbing, which can stress delicate blood vessels. Managing underlying health conditions, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, can also contribute to overall vascular health. If you have concerns about blood-thinning medications or frequent hemorrhages, discussing these with your doctor can help determine if any adjustments or further evaluations are necessary.