Ever looked in the mirror and noticed a bright red patch on the white of your eye? It might seem alarming, but a popped blood vessel in the eye is often not as harmful as it looks. Let’s explore what causes these occurrences and what you can do about them.
What Causes a Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye?
A popped blood vessel in the eye, or subconjunctival hemorrhage, happens when there’s a broken blood vessel beneath the surface of your eye (conjunctiva). This causes bright red patches to appear on the white of your eye (sclera).
Though they can be alarming, broken blood vessels in the eye are common and rarely serious. They’re typically caused by:
- Traumatic causes. Traumatic broken blood vessels are caused by physical trauma or injury to the eye, such as eye rubbing, surgery, and foreign objects in your eye.
- Spontaneous causes. Most of the time, broken blood vessels have no clear cause. You can suddenly break a blood vessel by violently coughing, sneezing, or vomiting.
- Stress. Stress itself doesn’t directly cause a popped blood vessel, but it can increase your blood pressure, resulting in subconjunctival hemorrhage.
When people choose to wear contact lenses, there can also be an increase in traumatic burst blood vessels. These can result from surface deposits on the lens, eye rubbing, or an accident while inserting or removing the lens. You can help prevent them by taking proper care of your contacts.
What are the Risk Factors of a Popped Blood Vessel?
You may be at increased risk for broken blood vessels in the eyes if you have certain health conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- A blood clotting disorder (bleeding disorder)
- Pinguecula (a noncancerous growth in the eye)
- Taking blood thinning medications
Are Popped Blood Vessels in the Eye Serious?
Blood in your eye can be alarming, but broken blood vessels are usually painless. You may not know you have one until someone points it out or you look in the mirror.
Sometimes, you might experience mild irritation or a scratchy feeling in your eye. It won’t affect vision or interfere with daily activities.
Additionally, newborns can develop a subconjunctival hemorrhage during childbirth, and it’s no cause for concern. This commonly occurs during a stressful birth when the pressure from labor contractions causes the baby’s blood vessels to burst.
How to Treat a Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye
Most popped blood vessels clear up on their own and don’t require treatment. Your body will absorb the blood within one to two weeks.
If you experience discomfort or a scratchy sensation, eye drops (artificial tears) can help. Hot or cold compresses can also help soothe discomfort.
When to See a Doctor for a Popped Blood Vessel
Seek medical attention if the subconjunctival hemorrhage is caused by head trauma, eye injury, or a facial injury. You should also call your doctor if the broken blood vessel occurs with other symptoms, such as pain, eye swelling, and vision loss.
You should especially see a doctor if you notice unexplained bleeding or bruising in other areas of your body. Additionally, recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Can You Prevent a Busted Blood Vessel in the Eye?
There are no ways to prevent broken blood vessels in your eye. However, there are a few precautionary measures you can try.
You can wear protective eyewear while doing sports and other activities that can damage your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes, wash your hands before touching your face to avoid getting debris in your eyes, and keep your contact lenses clean.
While a popped blood vessel in the eye can be startling, remember it’s usually harmless and resolves on its own. If you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your eye doctor for peace of mind.
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