Looking in the mirror and seeing a bright red spot on your eye can be alarming, especially if you aren’t sure how it happened. Find out the common causes, and possible treatments your eye care professional may recommend.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a common eye condition where small blood vessels break (hemorrhage) beneath (sub) the clear membrane that covers the eye (conjunctiva). This bleeding leads to visible redness in the eye that can vary in size from a small section of the eye to most or all of the white of the eye. If you are experiencing broken blood vessels in your eye, reach out to your eye care professional for guidance.
One of the most common reasons someone might accidentally break blood vessels in their eye is due to straining. Simple actions like sneezing, strenuous exercise, or even coughing can cause tiny blood vessels in your eye to break. Since this can happen during normal activities, sometimes, there’s no obvious cause.
Though an eye injury may sound serious, it doesn’t have to be anything dramatic to cause bleeding within the eye. Sometimes, just rubbing your eyes too hard or having something accidentally poke you in the eye can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. If you wear contact lenses, the process of putting on or taking off your lenses could even cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Certain medical conditions can raise your chances of having a subconjunctival hemorrhage. High blood pressure can weaken blood vessels, making them more likely to break. Additionally, people on blood-thinning medications like aspirin are at a higher risk because these drugs affect the blood’s ability to clot. If you have a history of bleeding disorders, you may also need to be extra cautious. Being aware of your health status and maintaining regular doctor check-ups can help manage these risk factors effectively.
As you age, the chances of experiencing a subconjunctival hemorrhage may increase. Aging naturally weakens blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to rupturing. People over the age of 65 often face higher risks, particularly if they have health conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Regular monitoring of your eye health becomes increasingly important as you get older, so make sure to keep up with checkups.
The primary symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is the most obvious one—a bright red patch on the white part of your eye. Most people are surprised to discover that broken blood vessels in the eye do not usually cause pain or changes in vision. In fact, you may not even realize you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until you look in the mirror. Other than the noticeable red spot, you might experience a slight scratchy feeling, but that’s generally the extent of the symptoms.
The body typically clears away the blood over time naturally, meaning the bright red patch may fade away on its own gradually. This process can take about one to two weeks, and you might notice a yellowish tint as the blood is absorbed. While waiting for it to heal, it’s best to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eyes. If you normally wear contact lenses, your eye care professional may recommend opting for eyeglasses to avoid aggravating your eye more.
If you find that your eye feels a little uncomfortable, ask your eye doctor if over-the-counter lubricating eye drops may help, and which ones they’d recommend. These drops provide moisture to the eye’s surface, helping to relieve any scratchy feelings that may occur. While these drops won’t speed up the healing of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, they may help with comfort during recovery.
If you get subconjunctival hemorrhages often or your eye doctor is concerned about the progress of your healing, they may run some tests to determine if you have any underlying health issues that can be addressed.
Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to your eyes, as this can cause blood vessels to break.
Use goggles or safety glasses for any sports or activities that could cause eye injuries.
If you have high blood pressure, work with your healthcare provider to keep it under control. Proper management can reduce your risk of developing subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Be gentle when you put on and take off your contact lenses and be sure to follow the care instructions given to you by your eye care professional.
While many cases of subconjunctival hemorrhages heal on their own, contact your eye care professional for guidance on treatment, especially if you notice:
The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care.
