Red spots on the eye can appear suddenly, often causing immediate concern. While alarming, these red patches are frequently harmless and typically resolve without intervention. Understanding their cause can help alleviate worry.
Understanding Red Spots on the Eye
A red spot on the white part of the eye is commonly known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eyeball. The conjunctiva contains fragile blood vessels that can rupture. When one breaks, blood leaks out and becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying white layer of the eye, called the sclera.
This trapped blood creates a bright red patch, similar to a bruise on the skin. Despite its dramatic appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is generally painless and does not affect vision. The blood does not flow out of the eye or interfere with the iris or pupil, meaning it does not cause blurry vision or significant discomfort.
Common Reasons for Red Spots
Subconjunctival hemorrhages often result from sudden increases in pressure within the head or eye. Forceful actions such as coughing, sneezing, or vomiting can lead to these broken blood vessels. Straining during activities like heavy lifting, childbirth, or bowel movements can also elevate pressure sufficiently to cause a hemorrhage.
Minor eye trauma, including rubbing the eyes or receiving a foreign object, can also trigger a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The spot may appear spontaneously, with no identifiable cause. Certain factors can increase susceptibility, such as taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin, which make one more prone to bleeding.
Underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes, can contribute to the fragility of blood vessels, making hemorrhages more likely. Contact lens use can increase risk due to irritation, dryness, or friction. Many red spots occur due to routine, everyday actions.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While most red spots are benign, certain accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation. If the red spot is accompanied by eye pain, vision changes (such as blurriness, double vision, or a decrease in sight), professional medical advice should be sought promptly. Discharge from the eye, persistent swelling, or significant pain are also concerning signs.
A history of significant eye trauma that precedes the red spot necessitates an examination by a healthcare provider. If red spots recur frequently without a clear cause, or if they are associated with other systemic symptoms like severe headaches, fever, or easy bruising, a doctor should be consulted. These indicators can suggest a more serious underlying health issue.
Diagnosis and Management of Red Spots
Diagnosing a subconjunctival hemorrhage typically involves a visual examination of the eye by a healthcare provider. The doctor will assess the appearance of the red spot and may ask about recent activities or any accompanying symptoms. In some cases, if hemorrhages are recurrent or underlying conditions are suspected, blood pressure may be checked. Further tests, such as blood work to rule out bleeding disorders, are generally not needed unless there are other concerning signs.
For the common, benign subconjunctival hemorrhage, no specific medical treatment is required. The blood is naturally reabsorbed by the body, much like a bruise fading on the skin. This process can take anywhere from one to three weeks, with the red patch gradually changing color to yellow or brown before disappearing completely. If mild irritation is present, artificial tears may provide some relief. If an underlying condition like high blood pressure is a contributing factor, managing that condition may be recommended to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.