A “popped eye vessel,” medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a small blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva breaks. The conjunctiva is a clear, thin membrane covering the white part of your eye, the sclera. When these vessels rupture, blood leaks and becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, creating a noticeable bright red patch on the eye’s surface. Despite its alarming appearance, this condition is typically harmless, generally painless, and does not affect vision.
Common Reasons Eye Vessels Pop
Several factors can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage, often related to a sudden, temporary increase in blood pressure within the small vessels of the eye. Activities like forceful coughing, sneezing, straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, vomiting, or bearing down during childbirth can cause a vessel to rupture.
Minor eye trauma, such as rubbing the eye or accidental pokes, can also cause a popped vessel. Inserting contact lenses can be a cause. Medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin or anticoagulants like warfarin, can increase the likelihood of bleeding.
Underlying medical conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, can make eye vessels more fragile. Inflammation of the conjunctiva or certain blood clotting disorders may also contribute. Sometimes, a subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs without any identifiable cause.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most popped eye vessels are benign and resolve on their own, certain signs warrant a medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the red patch is accompanied by:
Persistent eye pain
Changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight
New floaters
Discharge from the eye
Hemorrhage extending over the pupil or iris
Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, or if the bleeding occurs in both eyes simultaneously, should prompt a doctor’s visit. This could signal an underlying systemic issue like uncontrolled high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder. If the hemorrhage follows a significant eye injury or head trauma, or is accompanied by other bruising or unexplained bleeding elsewhere on the body, immediate medical attention is necessary to rule out more serious conditions.
Recovery and Self-Care
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves naturally as the body reabsorbs the leaked blood. The red patch will gradually fade over one to three weeks, often changing color from bright red to shades of orange or yellow, much like a bruise healing on the skin.
No specific medical treatment is usually required for a popped eye vessel. It is important to avoid rubbing the affected eye, as this can cause further irritation or re-bleeding. If there is minor irritation or a scratchy sensation, over-the-counter artificial tears can be used for comfort, though they do not accelerate healing. Vision is generally unaffected, and the eye will return to its normal appearance once the blood has been fully absorbed.