A sudden bright red spot on the white of the eye can be alarming for many individuals. Commonly known as broken blood vessels in the eye or eye capillary bleeding, this condition is often painless and does not affect vision. Medically termed as subconjunctival hemorrhage, this condition can arise from the rupture of fine vessels on the eye surface. Although it is often harmless, it can sometimes indicate underlying systemic diseases.
What is Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a superficial bleeding resulting from the rupture of capillaries in the thin membrane layer (conjunctiva) covering the white part of the eye. It is commonly referred to as broken blood vessels or blood pooling in the eye. In this condition, blood can accumulate on the outer surface of the eye and appears as a bright red spot on the white of the eye.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage can occur due to causes like severe coughing, sneezing, heavy lifting, vigorous eye rubbing, trauma, high blood pressure, the use of blood thinners, or vessel sensitivity.
What Causes Broken Blood Vessels in the Eye?
Broken blood vessels in the eye are often harmless, and even everyday actions we perform unconsciously can lead to their rupture.
The most common causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage are:
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Sudden pressure increase: Severe coughing, sneezing, vomiting, heavy lifting, or straining can suddenly increase internal vessel pressure.
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Vigorous eye rubbing: Rubbing the eyes forcefully creates mechanical trauma and can damage surface vessels.
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Trauma and impact: Even minor impacts to the eye or surrounding area can cause vessel rupture.
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High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension weakens vessel walls and increases the risk of bleeding.
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Blood thinners: Medications can affect coagulation, making small vessel bleeds more likely.
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Diabetes and vascular diseases: Diabetes can deteriorate small vessel structure, predisposing them to rupture.
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Dry eyes and screen fatigue: Prolonged screen use irritates the surface of the eye and can make vessels more prominent.
Why Do Blood Vessels Become Prominent in the Eye?
In some individuals, prominent eye blood vessels may be consistently observed. The reasons include:
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Allergic reactions
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Long-term screen exposure
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Lack of sleep
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Contact lens use
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Environmental irritants
This condition is usually not a hemorrhage but indicates irritation of the eye surface.
What Are the Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
Subconjunctival hemorrhage usually does not cause noticeable complaints. The most eye-catching symptom is the appearance of red spots in the white part of the eye.
Symptoms include:
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Bright red area on the sclera: The hemorrhage typically appears as a well-defined spot in one area.
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No pain: Most patients do not experience any pain.
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Unaffected vision: Does not cause blurred vision.
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Slight sensation of fullness: Some individuals may describe a sensation of pressure and fullness in the eye.
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Mild stinging and dryness sensation: Rarely, it may be linked to surface irritation.
Is Bleeding of Eye Capillaries Dangerous?
In most cases, bleeding of eye capillaries is not dangerous. Known medically as subconjunctival hemorrhage, this condition is typically painless and can resolve on its own within 1–2 weeks as the body absorbs the accumulated blood.
However, not all bleeding should be considered insignificant. In some instances, it might signal an underlying health problem. Attention should be given in the following cases:
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If the hemorrhage recurs frequently
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If accompanying blurred vision
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If there is pain or stinging sensation
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If it occurred after trauma
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If the bleeding area rapidly enlarges
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If easy bruising is observed in other parts of the body
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If there is a history of high blood pressure and diabetes
How to Resolve Bleeding of Eye Capillaries?
Bleeding of eye capillaries can often resolve on its own. As it occurs on the eye's surface, the body naturally absorbs the accumulated blood over time. The recovery period usually spans 7–14 days.
To have a comfortable recovery process and support healing, consider the following:
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Avoid rubbing the eyes.
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Use artificial tears.
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Reduce screen time.
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Apply cold compresses.
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Take a break from contact lens use.
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Ensure control of blood pressure.
If the hemorrhage recurs frequently, is accompanied by pain or decreased vision, or occurs following trauma, specialist evaluation by an eye doctor may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do broken blood vessels in the eye recur?
Recurrent hemorrhages can be associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, the use of blood thinners, or vessel sensitivity. If frequently repeated, an examination by a specialist may be required.
What can help with broken blood vessels in the eye?
Resting the eyes, using artificial tears, applying cold compresses, and avoiding rubbing the eyes can support healing.
Can wearing contact lenses cause broken blood vessels?
Improper use of contact lenses or lack of hygiene can irritate the surface of the eye, increasing vessel sensitivity.
Are internal eye hemorrhages the same as capillary hemorrhages?
No. Internal eye hemorrhages are more severe and require urgent medical evaluation, whereas superficial vessel rupture is generally harmless.
