A sudden, bright red spot on the white of the eye can be a startling sight. While it often looks alarming, this phenomenon, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is typically harmless. It occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the surface of the eye. This common occurrence usually resolves on its own without intervention.
Understanding Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage results from the rupture of a small blood vessel situated underneath the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, and the inner surface of the eyelids. When one of these delicate vessels breaks, blood leaks out and becomes trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera, creating a distinct red patch. This red spot is usually bright and flat, resembling a bruise on the eye’s surface. It generally causes no pain or changes in vision, with many people only discovering it when looking in a mirror.
Common Triggers and Underlying Conditions
A subconjunctival hemorrhage can arise from various actions that momentarily increase pressure in the head or eyes. Common, often innocuous, triggers include forceful coughing, powerful sneezing, or straining during activities like bowel movements or heavy lifting. Vomiting and even rubbing the eyes too vigorously can also lead to the rupture of these small vessels. Minor eye trauma, such as a foreign object or an accidental bump, may also cause this bleeding.
Certain underlying health conditions and medications can increase the likelihood of experiencing a subconjunctival hemorrhage. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor, as it can make blood vessels more fragile. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, are also at an increased risk due to their reduced ability to form clots. Diabetes and blood clotting disorders can contribute to vessel fragility.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are benign and resolve without medical intervention, certain signs and symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider. It is advisable to seek medical attention if the red patch is accompanied by eye pain, changes in vision such as blurriness or double vision, or any discharge from the eye. A history of eye trauma preceding the hemorrhage should also prompt a medical evaluation to rule out more serious injury.
Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, especially if frequent, indicate a need for a doctor’s visit to investigate potential underlying issues. If you are taking blood-thinning medications and experience these hemorrhages, inform your doctor, as your medication regimen may need review.
What Happens Next
A subconjunctival hemorrhage resolves on its own, similar to a bruise, without specific treatment. The body naturally reabsorbs the blood that has collected under the conjunctiva. As the healing progresses, the bright red patch will gradually change color, often fading to yellow or green before disappearing completely.
The resolution usually occurs within one to two weeks, though larger hemorrhages may take a bit longer to fully clear. Throughout this process, vision remains unaffected, with no long-term consequences for eye health. While concerning in appearance, the condition is self-limiting.