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Burst Blood Vessel In The Eye: What To Know
A burst blood vessel in the eye, or subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH), causes a patch of blood to appear on the white part of the eye. In most cases, it is harmless and goes away on its own.
Healthcare professionals do not always know what causes a burst blood vessel in the eye, but it can occur due to the use of contact lenses, an injury, intense exercise, or straining. Some people have an increased risk of SCH due to a medication or health condition.
This article discusses burst blood vessels in the eye and their causes and treatments. It also covers when someone should seek medical help.
SCH is the medical term for when a tiny blood vessel in the eye bursts, allowing a small amount of blood to leak onto the sclera, or the white part of the eye.
The sclera has many minute blood vessels that can break and bleed easily. They are protected by the conjunctiva, which is a thin, transparent layer of tissue that covers the eye. When a blood vessel breaks, blood pools under the conjunctiva, meaning it is visible but trapped under this layer of tissue.
Learn more about the eyes and how they work.
Usually, a burst blood vessel in the eye is harmless. In most cases, the mark on the eye will go away on its own with time as the blood naturally disperses.
The eye may be red for a while, but this should begin to fade over the next 1–2 weeks.
Occasionally, SCH can be a sign of an underlying condition. This is more likely if the bleeding is persistent or recurs often.
Healthcare professionals categorize the potential causes of SCH into two groups: traumatic and spontaneous.
TraumaticIn this context, the word "traumatic" refers to a physical trauma or injury that affects the eye, causing a small blood vessel to break. Foreign objects getting into the eye or harsh rubbing of the eyes are some common examples.
Another common cause of this type of injury is the use of contact lenses. As contact lenses have become more popular, the incidence of traumatic SCH has also increased.
This can occur by accident when applying or removing the lens or due to issues with the lens itself, such as surface deposits or defects that may cause friction.
If people use disposable contact lenses for longer than the manufacturer advises, this may also contribute to SCH. This is because the materials in these lenses start to break down at the edges over time, causing rougher edges.
In addition, people who wear contact lenses can sometimes develop eye conditions that disrupt the flow of tears, causing inflammation or dryness. These include:
Ocular surgeries, including cataract and refractive surgery, can also increase an individual's risk of SCH. According to research, around 1–2% of newborn babies may have SCH following a vaginal birth.
Conditions that lead to eye rubbing, such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, and blepharitis, can also be contributing factors. These conditions cause eye discomfort and then eye rubbing, which can be involuntary or during sleep and can cause the blood vessels to burst.
SpontaneousAccording to research, in almost half of all cases, healthcare professionals do not identify a cause of SCH. Experts call these cases spontaneous because they occur for no apparent reason. Another term for this is "idiopathic."
Sometimes, a blood vessel bursts in the eye when blood pressure suddenly increases. This can happen when someone coughs, vomits, or takes part in strenuous exercise, such as lifting heavy weights.
Some health conditions can also be responsible for a burst blood vessel in the eye. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause this to happen even if a person is taking medication to manage the condition. Other vascular disorders, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, can also increase the risk.
Some other conditions that doctors associate with SCH are:
Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anticoagulants, such as warfarin or heparin, may also make burst blood vessels more likely.
The research mentioned above states that the recurrence rate for spontaneous SCH is about 10% in people with no identifiable risk factors.
The main symptom of SCH is a red patch appearing on the white of the eye.
At first, the patch may be an opaque red with clear borders, before becoming faded and less distinct. The eye may develop a bruised or yellow appearance as the hemoglobin and other blood components break down.
Usually, SCH is painless and does not affect vision, although it may cause a swollen or scratchy feeling. It typically only affects the whites of the eyes, not the iris or pupil.
SCH usually does not require treatment. If it is causing discomfort, a person can use ice packs on a closed eye to reduce this. They can also use artificial tears to improve dryness.
However, if someone has a burst blood vessel in the eye frequently, this may indicate an underlying condition that does require treatment. How a doctor approaches treatment will depend on the root cause, which they can diagnose.
Individuals who experience SCH due to head trauma may require a specialist consultation with an ophthalmologist.
After SCH, the body naturally reabsorbs the blood in the eye over 1–2 weeks, depending on the size of the hemorrhage.
If an individual uses an anticoagulation medication, it may take longer to resolve, at around 3 weeks.
Most SCH cases resolve on their own and are not a sign of serious illness.
However, if the condition develops after someone experiences a head or facial injury, they should seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can monitor for signs of concussion or damage to the eyes.
If a person experiences any other symptoms alongside the burst blood vessel, they should also contact a healthcare professional. Examples of symptoms that may be a cause for concern include:
If SCH happens often, and a healthcare professional has not checked an individual's blood pressure for a while, they individual should ask them to do this.
Doctors refer to a burst blood vessel in the eye as SCH. It is typically a harmless condition that resolves by itself in 1–2 weeks. Usually, the only symptom is a patch of blood beneath the conjunctiva, which is the transparent lining of the eye.
SCH often has no identifiable cause. It may be spontaneous or due to trauma, including using contact lenses.
Although a burst blood vessel in the eye is not serious in itself, it may indicate an underlying health condition that requires evaluation by a healthcare professional.
If an individual experiences recurring SCH, the condition does not resolve, or they experience other symptoms, they should seek medical attention.
Sign Of Arthritis Can Be Spotted In The Eye - What To Look For
Rheumatoid Arthritis: NHS on common signs and symptomsMillions of Britons are currently living with arthritis and other joint problems.
Depending on the type of arthritis you have it can cause issues such as pain, inflammation, joint stiffness and even difficulty moving.
There is no cure for arthritis, however, there are ways to both reduce your risk of the condition and ease symptoms.
As with any health issue though the sooner you spot the signs the sooner you can seek the treatment and support you need.
With this in mind an expert spoke exclusively with Express.Co.Uk about a lesser-known sign of rheumatoid arthritis - the second most common form of arthritis.
Optometrist Francesca Marchetti from Rohto Dry Aid, warned that dry eye is one warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
She explained: "Dry eye may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as RA is an inflammatory disease.
"Inflammation from RA can cause abnormalities in the tear glands, significantly reducing fluid production.
"RA is an autoimmune condition and the person may have other autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome which also leads to dry eye.
"Plus the structures of the eye including the sclera and the cornea contain similar proteins to those in the joints such as collagen.
"This similarity possibly helps to account for the inflammatory physiological changes in both the eye and the joints."
Dry eye typically affects both eyes and can cause:
If you experience these symptoms Francesca advised seeking treatment.
"It is essential to get treatment if you have dry eye from any cause, including RA as the eye surface can become scarred and damaged which could if left untreated lead to loss of vision," she said.
Over-the-counter eye drops may be enough to solve dry eye, however, if it is linked to arthritis you will need to speak to your doctor.
Francesca added that dry eye "may also be a sign of Parkinson's disease".
She said: "In fact more than 60 percent of patients with Parkinson's disease suffer from dry eye disease."
"Parkinson's disease patients are at increased risk of dry eye due to impaired blinking.
"Also some of the Parkinson's disease medications can cause poor and incomplete blinking."
According to the NHS, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
If you experience signs of arthritis you should speak to your GP.
What To Eat To Keep Your Eyesight Sharp, And How To Avoid Cataract, Other Age-related Eye Problems
Maintaining good vision is vital for a healthy and independent life. As you age, the risk of various eye-related problems increases, making eye care an essential part of your well-being. From reading a book to enjoying the sunset, and looking for everyday things, your eyes play an important role in shaping your experiences.
Your eyesight, and eye health, however, deteriorates with age and it is important to take steps to protect your vision. Says Dr Sri Ganesh, Surgeon, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, "Ageing can bring about several eye-related issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which involves the loss of cell in the macula, affecting detailed vision but not causing total blindness."
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He adds, "Presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, results in the gradual loss of your ability to see close objects. Cataracts, characterised by cloudy areas in your eye's lens, often occur with ageing and lead to blurred vision. Glaucoma, linked to increased eye pressure, can cause irreversible vision loss without apparent symptoms, with age being a contributing factor."
To keep your eyes healthy as you age, follow these essential tips, suggests Dr Ganesh:
Maintain a nutrient-rich diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc. Foods with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as spinach, carrots, and nuts, help prevent age-related eye issues.
Protect your eyes from sun damage: Wearing sunglasses is the simplest and safest way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Wear sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration that are caused by sun exposure.
Schedule annual eye check-up: Regular check-ups help to detect potential issues early. Doing so allows timely intervention and prevents the progression of age-related eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Manage chronic health conditions: It is important to manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These are linked to eye-related complications. This can be achieved through a combination of medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring regular check-ups.
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Ensure adequate sleep and practice eye exercises: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night and include eye exercises like focusing on distant objects and regular blinking to reduce eye strain and maintain eye muscle flexibility and strength.
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
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