The outer surface of the human eye comprises sclera (the white portion of the eye) and the cornea (which is pigmented). The conjunctiva is the clear tissue which covers the sclera and the inner sides of the eyelids. Hemorrhage of blood spots in this tissue is referred to as subconjunctival hemorrhage and can lead to formation of blood dot in the eye.
The conjunctiva contains several blood vessels which are barely visible, but may become engorged in cases of an eye infection or inflammation. These blood vessels, which supply to the conjunctiva are very fragile and can break easily on slightest strain, resulting in blood dot in the eye. In most cases, the bleeding is painless and hence can be detected only when the blood dot becomes visible.
There are certain causes that can be linked to blood dot in the eye,
- Any activity that can lead to sudden increase in the intra-cranial pressure can lead to blood dots in the eye. These activities include sneezing, coughing, vomiting or straining at stools.
- Lifting heavy weights can also lead to increase pressure in the veins supplying to the head and can cause blood dots.
- Injury caused by wearing or rubbing contact lenses.
- Infection of the eye, usually conjunctivitis, can weaken the blood vessels causing them to rupture easily.
- Individuals suffering from medical disorders associated like abnormal bleeding and clotting time are usually at a higher risk of developing this condition.
- In addition, individuals on blood thinner prescriptions like aspirin (for management of cardiac disorders) are also at a higher risk of developing subconjunctival hemorrhage. Prolonged use of over the counter medications for pain management including ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac, etc can also lead to blood disorders and increase the risk of blood dots in the eye.
Symptoms Of Blood Spot In The Eye
While in most cases, blood dot in the eye is asymptomatic condition, there can be some symptoms present,
- Pain is the rarest of all the symptoms experience and is in most cases, associated with severe hemorrhage. The pain is usually in the form of mild irritation and sensation of heaviness in the eye.
- The sharp red dot may appear at the site of the hemorrhage, especially apparent during the first 24 hours and then resolves spontaneously.
- In most cases, these blood dots are not associated with any vision problems, though occasionally, they may be associated with mild swelling around the eye.
Treatment For Blood Spot In Eye With Pain
A blood dot in the eye usually doesn’t require any treatment and tends to resolve spontaneously within a couple of days. However, when the condition is associated with pain, there are some treatment options available,
- Cold compress of the eye can be very helpful. Cold compress helps in vasoconstriction and thereby limits the bleeding and alleviates the pain. Cold compress about four to five times a day.
- Homeopathic drug, Arnica Montana helps in absorption of extravagated blood and alleviates the symptoms of pain.
- Check for eye infections and treat them promptly. Echinacea is a useful herb which can be taken internally to control infections. Eye drops contain Echinacea are also very useful.