What to Do When Blood Vessels Burst in the Eye

A burst blood vessel in the eye usually heals on its own within two weeks without treatment or vision loss.

Understanding the Basics of a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye

A burst blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, happens when tiny blood vessels beneath the clear surface of your eye rupture. This causes a bright red or dark patch on the white part of your eye. Despite its alarming appearance, it is generally harmless and painless.

The conjunctiva is a thin membrane covering the white part of your eyeball and inside your eyelids. When one of these small vessels breaks, blood leaks out and pools between the conjunctiva and the sclera (the white part). This creates that vivid red spot that can look like an injury but often isn’t.

Many people mistake this for serious eye trauma, but it’s usually caused by minor incidents like sneezing hard, coughing forcefully, rubbing your eyes too vigorously, or straining during bowel movements. Occasionally, it might result from an injury or underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders.

Common Causes Behind Burst Blood Vessels in the Eye

Several factors can trigger these tiny vessels to burst. Understanding these causes helps you avoid unnecessary panic and manage your eye health better.

Physical strain: Heavy lifting, intense coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or even laughing hard can increase pressure inside blood vessels, causing them to rupture.
Eye trauma: Rubbing your eyes roughly or getting poked accidentally may lead to broken vessels.
Medical conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding disorders (like hemophilia), or use of blood thinners can increase risk.
Medications: Blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin or warfarin make vessels more prone to breakage.
Aging: Older adults often have more fragile blood vessels that break more easily.
Contact lenses: Improper use or irritation from contacts may cause minor vessel damage.

Knowing these triggers lets you take preventive steps where possible and recognize when professional help might be necessary.

Recognizing Symptoms and Signs

While a burst blood vessel looks dramatic, symptoms are typically mild. Here’s what you might notice:

Bright red patch: A clearly visible red spot on the white of your eye; it doesn’t move with your eye movement.
No pain: Usually painless unless accompanied by other injuries.
No vision changes: Your eyesight remains clear without blurring or loss.
Mild irritation: Some people feel a scratchy sensation or mild discomfort but no severe pain.
Slight swelling: Rarely, mild puffiness around the eye may occur.

If you experience pain, vision changes, discharge, or recurrent bleeding spots, you should see an eye specialist immediately as these could signal more serious problems.

The Healing Process: What Happens After a Vessel Bursts?

Once a vessel bursts under your conjunctiva, natural healing begins right away. The body gradually reabsorbs the trapped blood over days to weeks. You’ll notice color changes similar to bruising on skin:

Day 1-2: Bright red spot appears suddenly.
Day 3-5: Red fades into darker maroon or brownish shades.
Day 6-10: Yellowish-green tint develops as healing progresses.
Day 10-14: Spot gradually disappears completely.

Most cases resolve within two weeks without any treatment. During this time, avoid rubbing your eyes and protect them from irritants like smoke or dust.

Treatment Options and Home Care Tips

Since these hemorrhages heal by themselves, treatment focuses on comfort and preventing recurrence:

Avoid rubbing your eyes: This prevents further irritation and trauma to fragile vessels.
Use lubricating eye drops: Artificial tears soothe irritation but don’t speed up healing of the bleed itself.
Avoid strenuous activities: Heavy lifting or intense exercise can raise pressure inside eyes again causing new breaks.
Cold compresses: Applying a cold pack gently over closed eyelids may reduce swelling if present but won’t affect bleeding resolution directly.
Avoid blood thinners temporarily (only if advised): Consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication like aspirin or warfarin.

If discomfort worsens or vision changes occur during recovery, seek medical attention promptly.

The Role of Medical Intervention

In rare cases where subconjunctival hemorrhage results from trauma or is recurrent without obvious cause, an ophthalmologist should evaluate you. They may check for:

Blood pressure levels
Blood clotting function tests
Anatomical abnormalities in the eye

Usually no invasive treatment is necessary unless underlying systemic issues are discovered.

The Difference Between a Burst Blood Vessel and Other Eye Conditions

It’s important not to confuse subconjunctival hemorrhage with other potentially serious eye problems:

Condition	Appearance	Symptoms & Concerns
Burst Blood Vessel (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)	Bright red patch on white part of eye; sharply defined edges; no pupil involvement	Painless; no vision change; resolves naturally within two weeks
Ciliary Injection (Red Eye)	Dilated small vessels around cornea giving diffuse redness; often with discharge	Painful; blurry vision; possible infection needing treatment
Scleral Icterus (Yellowing)	The white part turns yellow due to jaundice; no redness spots present	No pain; indicates liver issues requiring medical care
Pterygium (Growth)	A triangular wedge-shaped growth on sclera extending toward cornea	Mild irritation possible; requires monitoring for progression
Chemical Burn / Trauma	Dull redness with swelling; possible corneal damage visible under slit lamp	Painful with blurred vision; emergency care needed

Knowing these differences helps prevent misdiagnosis and ensures timely treatment for serious conditions.

Key Takeaways: What to Do When Blood Vessels Burst in the Eye

➤ Stay calm and avoid rubbing your eye.

➤ Apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort.

➤ Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed by a doctor.

➤ Monitor your vision for any changes or blurriness.

➤ Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do when blood vessels burst in the eye?

When a blood vessel bursts in the eye, it usually heals on its own within two weeks without treatment. You can apply a cold compress to reduce any mild irritation, but medical attention is rarely needed unless you experience pain or vision changes.

How can I prevent blood vessels from bursting in the eye?

To prevent burst blood vessels in the eye, avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously and manage underlying health conditions like high blood pressure. Reducing strain from heavy lifting, coughing, or sneezing can also help protect delicate eye vessels.

When should I see a doctor for a burst blood vessel in the eye?

If you experience pain, vision changes, or repeated occurrences of burst blood vessels in the eye, consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue that needs evaluation and treatment.

Can medications cause blood vessels to burst in the eye?

Yes, certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin or warfarin) can increase the risk of blood vessels bursting in the eye. If you notice frequent red patches while on these drugs, inform your doctor for proper assessment.

Is a burst blood vessel in the eye harmful to vision?

A burst blood vessel in the eye generally does not affect vision and is painless. The red spot is caused by bleeding beneath the conjunctiva and usually resolves without complications within two weeks.

Lifestyle Changes That Help Prevent Recurring Bursts in Your Eyes

Once you’ve had one burst vessel in your eye, taking steps to reduce risk makes sense:

Treat underlying health issues: Keep blood pressure and diabetes under control through medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Avoid excessive straining: Manage constipation with fiber-rich diets so you don’t strain during bowel movements.

Use protective eyewear: Wear goggles while doing activities that risk injury like sports or yard work.
Handle contact lenses carefully: Follow hygiene instructions strictly to avoid irritation.
Quit smoking: Smoking weakens vessel walls over time.
Limit use of NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can affect clotting if taken excessively.

These habits not only protect your eyes but boost overall vascular health too.