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Subconjunctival haemorrhage is the term for bleeding inside the eye. If you’ve ever experienced a subconjunctival hemorrhage, you are certainly aware of how alarming this condition can be in observation: suddenly there is a bright red blood stain on the white part of the eye. While it can be frightening, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually the result of a ruptured capillary in the eye.
A ruptured blood vessel in the eye – classic symptoms
The white part of the eye, known as the sclera, is covered with a thin, transparent tissue called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva contains a network of small, thin blood vessels that also lines the inside of the eyelid. They have low mechanical resistance due to their brittleness. We often watch dilated blood vessels in the eye in case of fatigue. When these capillaries burst, blood oozes out and settles between the conjunctiva and the sclera.
If there is little leakage, part of the eye may appear slightly red. However, if the hemorrhage is large enough, the entire white portion of the eye can turn completely red, in some cases even bulging outward. If you see a large, bright red area in your eye, you may be suspicious subconjunctival hemorrhage.
In the case of a broken capillary in the eye the pain is usually mild, the condition usually does not change your vision, but sometimes it causes a slight itch that may be felt after you blink.
A broken capillary in the eye – causes of a broken capillary in the eye
Bleeding inside the eye is usually caused by an eye injury – broken capillary after a blow to the head area, it is then less of a problem than a possible concussion. Less common but serious causes of this type of bleeding also include some forms of cancer, defects in the blood vessels in the eye, and irritation and inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye).
Small subconjunctival hemorrhages may be caused by severe sneezing or coughing. This is how it most often happens broken capillaries in the eye in infants. High blood pressure and taking certain medications that change how blood clots are also important risk factors capillary ruptures in the eye and as a consequence subconjunctival bleeding.
Rupture of the capillary in the eye may be caused by:
- mechanical injury to the eyeball,
- strong cough,
- strong sneeze
- violent vomiting
- Weightlifting,
- strong rubbing of the eye with the hand,
- muscle effort related to constipation,
- various bacterial and viral eye infections.
In conclusion, there is a significant relationship on the line broken capillary in the eye and physical exertion: rapid increased muscle activity leads to a sudden jump in blood pressure, which may result in subconjunctival hemorrhage. A broken capillary in the eye in a child or infant it usually has a similar condition, additionally exacerbated by the fragility of miniature capillaries.
Sometimes subconjunctival hemorrhage may be a warning sign of diabetes, high blood pressure, bleeding elsewhere or blood circulation disorders, leukemia and anemia.
If broken capillary in the eye occurs more than twice in one year, it is worth consulting a doctor to exclude the possibility that this is a symptom of a larger disease entity.
A broken capillary in the eye – diagnosis
If bleeding from a broken capillary in the eye worried you, schedule an eye test. An ophthalmologist will examine the medical history of the phenomenon to rule out various potential causes of the hemorrhage. You will also make sure that the eye is intact and that there are no other injuries to its other structures. The pressure in your eye will be measured and your doctor will take care of dilating the pupils to make sure that the injury has not occurred deep in the eye. It is important that an ophthalmologist examines the disturbing hemorrhage to identify the cause and rule out any other possible health conditions that may have caused it.
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A broken capillary in the eye – treatment
First of all, try to stay calm – visible blood from a broken capillary in the eye will be slowly absorbed into your body. In most cases, this symptom disappears in about seven days without treatment. Big subconjunctival hemorrhage can take anywhere from two to three weeks. Redness can turn orange, then pink, then white. The so-called artificial tears can be used to reduce the itching sensation.
A broken capillary in the eye – remember that
Even though the appearance of blood in your eye may be disturbing, it is usually not a particularly serious condition, especially if it is not accompanied by pain symptoms or changes in vision. Many people visit the doctor’s office for a reason subconjunctival hemorrhage induced a broken capillary in the eye. This isn’t usually necessary, not to mention the trauma that comes with it. In the case of frequent occurrence, however, it is worth examining the accompanying circumstances that may indicate a systemic medical problem that will be diagnosed by a doctor. In many cases a broken capillary in the eye the causes are mechanical injuries (including a hit while sleeping) or a sudden increase in blood pressure associated with physical exertion or strong emotions. Panic is not recommended, and healing occurs automatically after about a week.
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