Have you ever woken up and realized that your eye has turned red, as if there’s blood inside? It’s a common occurrence and can be caused by different factors, such as coughing, sneezing, straining, or rubbing your eye too hard. This phenomenon is known as a “broken blood vessel in the eye” and can be concerning, but in most cases, it’s harmless. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention tips for avoiding broken blood vessels in the eye, and when it’s necessary to seek medical attention.
Understanding Broken Blood Vessels in the Eye
A broken blood vessel in the eye, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a blood vessel ruptures between the white part of the eye (sclera) and the clear tissue that covers it (conjunctiva). The conjunctiva contains many small blood vessels that can break easily and cause redness in the eye. Broken blood vessels in the eye can appear scary, but they are usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, they heal on their own without causing any pain or vision problems.
However, if you experience frequent broken blood vessels in the eye, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. It is important to consult with your doctor if you notice recurring subconjunctival hemorrhages.
There are also certain activities that can increase your risk of developing broken blood vessels in the eye, such as heavy lifting, coughing, or sneezing. If you engage in these activities frequently, it is important to take precautions to prevent eye strain and avoid putting too much pressure on your eyes.
Causes of Broken Blood Vessels in the Eye
There are several causes of broken blood vessels in the eye, including:
- Coughing, sneezing, or vomiting
- Straining while lifting heavy objects or during bowel movements
- Eye injury or trauma
- Eye surgery
- Rubbing or scratching the eye
- High blood pressure or sudden spikes in blood pressure
- Blood thinners or aspirin
Another cause of broken blood vessels in the eye is excessive exposure to sunlight or UV rays. This can cause the blood vessels in the eye to dilate and burst, leading to redness and irritation. It is important to wear protective eyewear when spending time outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours.
In some cases, broken blood vessels in the eye can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder. If you experience frequent or recurring broken blood vessels in the eye, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
The main symptom of a broken blood vessel in the eye is redness, which can range from a small, isolated spot to a large, diffuse area covering the entire white part of the eye. The redness may spread over time, but it doesn’t affect vision or cause pain. Sometimes, there may be a slight sensation of fullness or discomfort in the affected eye.
In addition to redness and discomfort, a broken blood vessel in the eye may also cause a person to experience sensitivity to light or a feeling of pressure behind the eye. It’s important to note that while a broken blood vessel in the eye may look alarming, it is usually a harmless condition that will resolve on its own within a week or two. However, if you experience any changes in vision or severe pain, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Risk Factors for a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
Anyone can develop a broken blood vessel in the eye, but some factors can increase your risk, including:
- Age: Older people may be more prone to broken blood vessels due to thinner skin and fragile blood vessels.
- Blood thinners: These medications can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, including in the eye.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contacts for extended periods or sleeping in them can irritate the eye and increase the risk of broken blood vessels.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can cause blood vessels to burst and lead to subconjunctival hemorrhage.
- Eye trauma: Any injury to the eye can cause blood vessels to break and the eye to turn red.
It is important to note that certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of a broken blood vessel in the eye. These conditions include diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and autoimmune diseases. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk of developing a broken blood vessel in the eye.
How to Treat a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
In most cases, a broken blood vessel in the eye doesn’t require any medical treatment. It will usually heal on its own within a few days to weeks. However, you can take some steps to speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress: This can help reduce swelling and redness. Use a clean cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel and hold it over the eye for several minutes, several times a day.
- Use lubricating eye drops: This can help relieve any irritation or dryness in the affected eye.
- Avoid rubbing your eye: Rubbing your eye can irritate the blood vessels and make the redness worse.
If you experience any pain or vision changes, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointments to help with the healing process. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the broken blood vessel.
It’s also important to take steps to prevent future broken blood vessels in the eye. This includes wearing protective eyewear during activities that could cause injury to the eye, such as sports or construction work. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can help improve overall eye health.
Home Remedies for a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
Some home remedies may help alleviate the symptoms of a broken blood vessel in the eye:
- Use chamomile tea bags: Soak chamomile tea bags in warm water and place them over the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness and swelling.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C and flavonoids: These nutrients can help strengthen blood vessels and promote healing. Good sources include citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, spinach, and kale.
- Apply a turmeric paste: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected eye and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce redness and promote healing.
If the broken blood vessel in the eye is causing discomfort or pain, it is important to seek medical attention. In some cases, a broken blood vessel in the eye may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Your doctor can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Prevention Tips for Avoiding Broken Blood Vessels in the Eye
While it’s impossible to prevent all cases of broken blood vessels in the eye, you can take some measures to reduce your risk:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes excessively: Rubbing your eyes can irritate the conjunctiva and increase the risk of broken blood vessels.
- Wear eye protection: Use protective eyewear when you’re engaging in sports, working with power tools, or doing any activity that may put your eyes in danger.
- Manage your blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and lead to subconjunctival hemorrhage.
- Take breaks from screen time: Prolonged computer use can strain your eyes and increase the risk of eye fatigue and irritation.
Another way to reduce your risk of broken blood vessels in the eye is to maintain a healthy diet. Eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the health of your blood vessels and reduce the risk of hemorrhages.
If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to follow proper hygiene practices to avoid eye infections. Infections can cause inflammation and increase the risk of broken blood vessels. Always wash your hands before handling your contacts and follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and storing them.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
While most cases of a broken blood vessel in the eye are harmless and will resolve on their own, there are some instances where it’s necessary to seek medical attention:
- There’s pain or vision changes: If you experience pain, vision loss, double vision, or other changes in your eyesight, it may indicate a more serious problem that requires medical attention.
- You have a bleeding disorder: If you have a history of bleeding disorders or take blood thinners, a broken blood vessel in the eye may indicate a more severe bleeding problem that requires medical evaluation.
- The redness doesn’t improve: If the redness persists or worsens after a week or two, or you develop more spots in your eye, you should see an eye doctor.
It’s important to note that a broken blood vessel in the eye can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. If you have a history of these conditions or are experiencing other symptoms, such as headaches or dizziness, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any potential complications.
Possible Complications of a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
Complications of a broken blood vessel in the eye are rare, but they can occur in some cases. These include:
- Eye infections: If the conjunctiva is damaged, it may increase the risk of bacterial or viral infections.
- Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhage: Some people may experience multiple episodes of broken blood vessels in the eye, especially if they have underlying health conditions that affect their blood vessels.
- Eye inflammation: In some cases, the redness may be accompanied by eye inflammation, dryness, or irritation that can last for several weeks or months.
Conclusion
Broken blood vessels in the eye are a common occurrence that usually resolves on its own without causing any pain or vision problems. While it’s impossible to prevent all cases of a broken blood vessel in the eye, you can reduce your risk by taking some measures, such as avoiding excessive eye rubbing, managing your blood pressure, and using protective eyewear. If you experience pain, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms, or the redness persists or worsens after a week or two, make sure to see an eye doctor for evaluation and treatment.
