The eyes are among the most important organs of the human body. Many individuals rely on sight to function in work, in school, or even in daily activities. Just as the eyes are very important, these are also very delicate. These contain blood vessels. The blood vessels in the eyes are extremely fragile that in certain conditions these can pop and cause a reddish discoloration in the eyes.
Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye
- Is also referred to as subconjunctival hemorrhage.
- The conjunctive is the clear tissue that covers the sclera of the eyes. It lines the insides of both the upper and lower eyelids.
- The subconjuntival space is the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera.
- The conjunctiva of the eyes holds many nerves and blood vessels which are barely visible. These only become visible when the blood vessels become large and inflamed.
- When the blood vessels break, bleeding occurs and is trapped in the subconjunctival space resulting in a reddish discoloration in the eye.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhages are often spontaneous and painless such that many individuals do not notice them until they see themselves in the mirror or someone else notices it for them.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhages may also be caused by the following:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Straining
- Increased pressure in the veins located in the head such as during weight lifting.
- Rubbing of the eyes.
- Inserting or wearing contact lenses.
- Certain infections such as conjunctivitis.
Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye Symptoms
Mostly, cases of subconjunctival hemorrhages do not have any accompanying symptoms other than the bleeding. Other symptoms might occur such as:
- Minimal pain, if none at all.
- A feeling of fullness in the eye or under the eyelid.
- An obvious red discoloration in a part of the eye or the entire eye.
- A hemorrhage with no blood exiting from the eye.
- A hemorrhage which starts large in size but decreases in the next 24 hours.
Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye Cure
In most cases, subconjunctival hemorrhage does not require any treatment. The condition usually clears itself after one to two weeks with slight discolorations from red to yellow to white as the bruise heals completely. Certain treatments may be prescribed depending on the case of the patient such as:
- Artificial tears to help clear any mild irritation.
- Avoidance of aspirin or blood thinners that can compromise the clotting of the blood or the eye hemorrhage.
- Antibiotic treatments such as drops, ointments or oral medications if the hemorrhage is due to an infection.
- Other treatment necessary if the hemorrhage is due to a trauma.