What Happens When There’s Blood In Your Eye?

While a red spot on the eye could seem concerning, it is seldom a medical issue. A crimson spot on the eye typically develops as a result of blood accumulating under the conjunctiva due to a subconjunctival haemorrhage.

When a tiny blood artery bursts just below your eye’s clear surface, it causes a subconjunctival haemorrhage (conjunctiva). It resembles a bruise on your skin in a lot of ways. Blood gets stuck because the conjunctiva cannot quickly absorb blood. Until you glance in the mirror and note that the white part of your eye is bright red, you might not even be aware that you have a subconjunctival haemorrhage.

A subconjunctival haemorrhage frequently happens with no evident eye damage. A blood vessel in the eye can burst with even a strong cough or sneeze. Increased blood pressure may also cause these blood spots to appear on the eye. 

Although a subconjunctival haemorrhage may appear frightening, it is typically a harmless condition that goes away in about two weeks.

So, basically, when blood leaks between sections of the eye, it typically manifests as a red patch on the eye, also known as a subconjunctival haemorrhage. The white of the eye usually develops vivid red spots as a result.

Blood Clot In Eye – Symptoms

Before you glance in the mirror, you might not even know that a blood vessel has ruptured. You likely won’t have any symptoms like pain, discharge, or altered vision. The only sensation you may experience is scratching on the top of your eye.

Within 24 to 48 hours, the red patch can enlarge. Then, as your eye absorbs the blood, it will gradually turn yellow.

Consult your doctor if the blood clot in eye doesn’t disappear even after 15-20 days, if you experience discomfort or vision issues in addition to the bleeding or if you experience repeated bleeding.

Causes of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

The clear membrane surrounding the eye’s surface is called the conjunctiva. Tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva have the potential to burst or leak in response to rapid pressure increases.

A subconjunctival haemorrhage could go unnoticed until a person looks in the mirror. Other symptoms are not present, including discomfort, edema, or visual loss.

A red spot on the eye is frequently caused by:

• sneezing
• coughing
• vomiting
• excessive physical effort
• damage to the eye (trauma)
• irritability or allergic responses
• Rubbing one’s eye vigorously
• Excessive straining while using the restroom
• use of contact lenses

Subconjunctival haemorrhages have the following uncommon causes:

• high blood pressure
• using blood thinners like aspirin or coumadin
• medical conditions that cause diabetes with haemorrhage

Diagnosis of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

Just by glancing at your eye, your doctor can determine that you have a subconjunctival haemorrhage. Your general health, including any injuries, will be questioned. Additionally, they might take your blood pressure and use a slit lamp to examine your eye in detail.

You might need a blood test to ensure you do not have a significant eye bleeding issue.

Blood Clot In Eye – Treatment

Usually, subconjunctival haemorrhages don’t need to be treated. The amount of time it takes for an area to heal might range from a few days to a few weeks.

People can use artificial tears to soothe irritability or dryness. Drugstores, pharmacies, and online retailers all carry artificial tears.

If a bacterial infection is the cause of the red spot, a doctor may advise antibiotic eye drops.

If the red blood spot in eye turns from red to yellow or orange, people shouldn’t be frightened. This indicates that the bleeding is beginning to mend. Like a bruise, it could gradually go away with time.

Most red spots cure on their own without any medical intervention. It can take a few days or weeks to go away, depending on how big it is. There is no way to make this process go faster.

Self-care

Any swelling and irritation can be reduced with ice packs and over-the-counter artificial tears.

Health care:

Any injury or illness that resulted in your subconjunctival haemorrhage, such as taking medicine for high blood pressure, will be treated by your doctor.

Why CFS?

As the leading name for eye care chains in India, Centre for Sight is the right place to head to when you need anything because of the team of experts and the availability of cutting-edge technology. Get in touch with our doctors today! 

Article: What Happens When There’s Blood In Your Eye?
Author: CFS Editorial Team | Sep 2 2022 | UPDATED 02:10 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.