Seeing a red dot in your eye can be unsettling. While often alarming in appearance, a red spot on the white part of the eye is a common and frequently harmless occurrence. Understanding the various reasons behind this phenomenon can help alleviate concern and guide appropriate action.
The Most Common Culprit
The most frequent cause of a red dot in the eye is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that can rupture easily. When a break happens, blood leaks out but becomes trapped under this clear layer, resulting in a bright red or sometimes dark red patch, similar to a bruise on the skin.
Subconjunctival hemorrhages generally do not cause pain, affect vision, or lead to discharge. You might feel a mild scratchy sensation on the eye’s surface, but often, people are unaware they have one until it’s noticed. While the appearance can be dramatic, these hemorrhages are typically benign and resolve without specific treatment. Common causes include everyday actions that temporarily increase pressure in the head, such as coughing, sneezing, straining, vomiting, heavy lifting, or even rubbing the eye too hard.
Other Potential Explanations
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is the most common reason for a red spot, other conditions can also cause localized redness. A foreign body in the eye can cause irritation and localized redness, often accompanied by a feeling that something is in the eye, with redness typically confined to the area around the object.
Inflammation of specific eye structures can also manifest as redness. For instance, episcleritis involves inflammation of the episclera, a thin layer of tissue on top of the white part of the eye. This can cause a red spot and, occasionally, a small, movable lump. Another possibility is an inflamed pinguecula or pterygium. A pterygium is an abnormal growth of tissue, often triangular, that extends from the white of the eye onto the cornea. Similarly, a pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva that can become inflamed and appear red. Both can cause irritation and redness, especially with exposure to sun, wind, or dry conditions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many red spots in the eye are harmless, certain signs indicate a need for medical evaluation. Seek professional medical attention if the red spot is accompanied by pain or discomfort, as this could signal a more serious underlying issue. Vision changes, such as blurriness, double vision, or a sudden decrease in sight, also warrant immediate medical assessment.
Other warning signs include discharge or crusting from the eye, increased sensitivity to light, or swelling around the eye. If the redness spreads beyond the initial spot, persists for more than a few days, or if you experience recurring red spots without a clear cause, consult an eye care professional. A history of eye trauma, recent eye surgery, or underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or bleeding disorders should also prompt a visit to the doctor if a red dot appears.
Self-Care and What to Expect
For a benign subconjunctival hemorrhage, specific treatment is generally unnecessary as the condition resolves on its own. The blood is reabsorbed by the eye over time, similar to how a bruise on the skin fades. This process typically takes about two to three weeks, though larger spots might take longer. As the blood clears, the red color may change to brown, then yellow, mirroring the color progression of a bruise.
While waiting for the hemorrhage to clear, avoid rubbing your eye, as this can worsen irritation or cause further bleeding. If you experience a scratchy feeling or mild irritation, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide some relief. Avoid aspirin or other blood-thinning medications unless prescribed by a doctor, as these can potentially prolong bleeding. Resting your eyes and avoiding strenuous activities that increase eye pressure can also be helpful during the healing period.