Broken Blood Vessel in Eye

The conjunctiva refers to the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and the insides of the eyelids. It contains several small blood vessels. Since these blood vessels are fragile in nature, the walls of these blood vessels can rupture in event of trauma to the eye or a sudden increase in the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of the blood vessels. When a blood vessel ruptures, blood leaking from the ruptured blood vessel may get trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera. This trapped blood becomes visible in the form of red spots on the eye. This condition is medically referred to as subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Since our eyes are extremely delicate, even a minor eye problem does make us apprehensive. Most of us would panic on noticing such bright red spots in our eye and think of a ruptured blood vessel in the eye as a medical emergency. However, subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually a harmless condition. It doesn't interfere with one's vision. It is more of an issue of cosmetic concern and that too for a short period. This condition is self-resolving in nature and the signs of subconjunctival hemorrhage may clear without medical treatment within a couple of weeks. In this article, we would be looking into the contributory factors for subconjunctival hemorrhage along with the treatment options for the same.

What Causes Blood Vessels in the Eyes to Rupture?

Strain on the blood vessels or a sudden buildup of pressure in the veins due to violent coughing fits, sneezing or vomiting could cause a spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage. Lifting heavy weights could also cause subconjunctival bleeding. When one lifts heavy weights, a substantial amount of pressure might be exerted on the veins located in the head. This increased venous pressure could cause the blood vessels in the eye to rupture. Ruptured blood vessels in the eye could also affect newborns. Pressure changes during the delivery are believed to be responsible for subconjunctival hemorrhage in newborns.

The blood vessels in the conjunctiva could also rupture as a result of trauma to the eye. Rubbing the eye vigorously could also cause this condition. If you rub your eyes with your contact lenses on, you could develop abrasions or red spots. Contact lens wearers must therefore be very careful. There are certain medical conditions that put one at an increased risk of suffering from subconjunctival hemorrhage. These include hypertension, diabetes, conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Glaucoma is a medical condition that is mainly characterized by high intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the fluids inside the eyeball. Elevated intraocular pressure could be a contributory factor for a burst blood vessel in the eye.

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva. This could occur due to bacterial or viral infections. Blood vessels in the eye may rupture if disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses weaken the walls of the blood vessels. Allergic reactions that cause violent sneezing or coughing could also be responsible for rupturing the delicate blood vessels underneath the conjunctiva of the eye. High doses of ginseng, garlic, cayenne, ginger or blood-thinning medications could also cause these blood vessels to burst.

Treatment Options for a Ruptured Blood Vessel in the Eye

As mentioned earlier, subconjunctival hemorrhage is a harmless condition that is self-limiting in nature. The blood that lies trapped within the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera gets absorbed by the conjunctiva within a period of two weeks. If the red spot doesn't disappear within a couple of weeks and is also accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or vision changes, do consult an ophthalmologist. An examination of the eye is essential to identify the underlying cause and determine the treatment options. More often than not, it is high blood pressure that plays the culprit. If you suffer from hypertension, you can lower the risk by keeping your blood pressure within the normal limits. If you are suffering from any medical condition that could aggravate the problem of subconjunctival bleeding, it would be best to seek medical assistance. Bleeding disorders or any disorder that adversely affects the coagulation of blood must be treated.

Since excessive intake of coagulants can also put one at an increased risk, one must avoid medicines such as warfarin and aspirin. If the subconjunctival bleeding is caused due to trauma or an infection, the ophthalmologist may prescribe certain eye drops to ease the discomfort and treat the infection. Scratching your eyes will aggravate the condition, so refrain from rubbing or scratching your eyes. It is believed that having a diet rich in vitamin C and grape seed extract might help in strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. Follow a healthy diet and avoid eye strain to prevent subconjunctival hemorrhage from becoming a recurring phenomenon.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is not a serious condition. It is mainly an issue of cosmetic concern. However, do not ignore subconjunctival bleeding if it is accompanied by pain or changes in vision. Under such circumstances, it would be best to consult an ophthalmologist at the earliest. Our eyes are very delicate organs and must therefore be treated with utmost care. Do take precautionary measures and refrain from activities that could cause excessive strain to the eyes.