Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye: When to Seek Medical Attention

Daily Health

·

05/12/2025

ADVERTISEMENT

A burst blood vessel in the eye shows up as a bright red patch on the white part. The sight often frightens people - yet it usually clears up without help. You still need to know when it points to a bigger problem, because that knowledge protects your sight.

Key Points

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is the usual reason for a red patch on the eye and it is rarely serious.
The trigger ranges from a small knock to major problems like high blood pressure.
See a doctor if you feel pain, notice vision changes or keep getting new bleeds.

What a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye Actually Is

Doctors call this a subconjunctival hemorrhage. A tiny vessel tears under the conjunctiva, the clear film that covers the white of the eye. The blood settles under that film and forms a red blotch.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why It Happens

Those events rupture small vessels:

Small injuries: Hard eye rubbing, strong coughs, sneezes or straining on the toilet raise pressure inside the head plus tear a vessel.
High blood pressure: If your pressure stays high, the vessel walls weaken and break more easily.
Blood-thinning drugs: Aspirin, warfarin and similar medicines let blood leak from tiny injuries.
Eye infections or inflammation: Disorders like conjunctivitis sometimes start a bleed.
Sudden pressure shifts: Heavy lifting or vomiting pushes blood hard through small vessels but also one gives way.

When to Worry

Many of those bleeds cause no pain and do not change vision - they fade like a skin bruise and vanish within two weeks without treatment. See a doctor at once if:

ADVERTISEMENT

Your eye hurts.
Your vision blurs, you see new floaters or light bothers you.
The bleed returns again as well as again. Repeated events warn of a hidden health problem.
You know the eye suffered a direct injury.
You take blood thinning medicine and fresh bleeding starts.

How Doctors Diagnose and Treat It

Many cases need only a look from the doctor. If a deeper cause is possible, the doctor checks your blood pressure or orders tests of clotting. Simple hemorrhages need no drugs - they heal by themselves. Artificial tears soothe minor scratchiness.

Recommend

Are Hair Growth Gummies Safe? What You Need to Know

Are hair growth gummies actually safe or effective? Discover potential risks, science-based benefits, and healthier alternatives for stronger hair.

ADVERTISEMENT

Find Your Perfect Stride: Tailoring Treadmill Workouts for Peak Performance

Learn how to find your ideal treadmill pace to build endurance and improve cardiovascular health. Discover tips on assessing fitness, using incline, and listening to your body for effective workouts.

Unlock a Longer Life: 5 Free, Science-Backed Longevity Boosters

Discover five science-backed, cost-free tips to enhance longevity and promote healthy aging, focusing on movement, nutrition, sleep, social connections, and optimism.

Beyond the Blue: Unseen Dangers in Natural Waters

Learn about the hidden dangers in natural water bodies, including bacteria, parasites, and toxic algae. Discover how to assess water safety and minimize your risk of waterborne illnesses before swimming.

ADVERTISEMENT

Young Children Gaining Smartphones at Alarming Rate, Experts Urge Rethink

New research reveals a concerning trend of young children receiving smartphones at increasingly younger ages, prompting experts to call for a reevaluation of parental strategies and guidelines for technology use.

Daily Walks and Cancer Vaccines: Health Insights from Yale Medicine

Learn about the health benefits of daily long walks and the potential of COVID-19 vaccines in cancer treatment, as discussed by Dr. F. Perry Wilson of Yale Medicine.

Unveiling the Benefits of Echinacea Tea: What Happens When You Sip This Herbal Brew?

Explore the potential health benefits of drinking echinacea tea, including its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, immune support, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Plant-Powered Mediterranean Diet Boosts Gut Health and Reduces Inflammation

Discover how a plant-focused Mediterranean diet, rich in green tea and walnuts, can reduce inflammation and improve gut health. Learn about the benefits of polyphenols and a sustainable eating approach.

Estrogen Cream for Skin: Unpacking the Potential Benefits and Risks

Explore the potential benefits and risks associated with using estrogen cream on the skin, including its effects on hydration, elasticity, and possible side effects. Learn when to consult a healthcare professional.

Unlock Your Health Potential with Frog Pose: A Deep Dive into This Powerful Yoga Stretch

Explore the deep hip-opening benefits of Frog Pose (Mandukasana) and how it can positively impact your health, from reducing back pain to improving digestion and mental clarity.

ADVERTISEMENT