Yes, the strain from forceful vomiting can cause a blood vessel in the eye to break, resulting in a noticeable red patch. This happens due to the sudden and intense pressure changes that occur during straining actions. The broken blood vessel is typically a minor injury to the eye’s outer surface, which is often more alarming in appearance than it is serious in nature.
The Cause: Pressure Changes
The mechanism leading to a broken blood vessel during forceful actions like vomiting is known as the Valsalva maneuver. This involves forcefully exhaling against a closed airway, which drastically increases pressure in the chest and abdomen. Vomiting, coughing, strenuous lifting, or intense sneezing all create a similar, sudden surge of pressure throughout the body’s vascular system.
This abrupt rise in intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure is transmitted upward to the head and neck, rapidly increasing venous pressure above the collarbone. The delicate blood vessels in the eye, particularly the small surface capillaries, are not equipped to handle this rapid spike in pressure. Since the veins in the head lack the valves needed to prevent backflow, this surge can cause these tiny, fragile vessels to rupture.
This mechanical stress causes the capillaries to leak blood into the surrounding tissue. The degree of force and the individual’s underlying vascular health determine whether a vessel breaks. Even though the pressure surge is fleeting, it is sufficient to compromise the integrity of the thin-walled capillaries on the eye’s surface.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Appearance and Terminology
The medical term for a broken blood vessel on the surface of the eye is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage. This condition presents as a striking, bright red patch on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. It is often discovered accidentally when looking in a mirror because it typically causes no pain or change in vision.
The injury occurs when a small blood vessel in the conjunctiva ruptures. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear tissue that covers the sclera. Since the blood is trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera, the red spot is vivid and does not spread or run out of the eye.
The appearance of this hemorrhage can be alarming, making it look much more serious than it is. The blood remains bright red because it is contained directly beneath the transparent conjunctiva. The size of the patch can vary significantly, sometimes covering the entire white portion of the eye.
What to Expect and When to Worry
In the vast majority of cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a benign condition that does not require specific medical treatment. The eye will absorb the blood naturally over time, much like a bruise fading on the skin. The resolution process typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the initial size of the hemorrhage.
During the healing period, the bright red patch may change color as the body metabolizes the blood, sometimes turning yellow or greenish before disappearing completely. Some people may experience a mild feeling of grittiness or irritation on the eye’s surface, which can be soothed with artificial tear drops. There should be no lasting effect on vision or the structure of the eye.
When to Seek Medical Attention
There are specific signs that indicate a need for immediate medical attention. You should seek prompt evaluation if the hemorrhage is accompanied by eye pain, discharge, or any change in your vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight. Seeing blood that appears to be behind the cornea suggests a more serious condition like a hyphema.
Recurrence and Underlying Issues
Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, or those that do not begin to resolve within three weeks, also warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Frequent occurrence may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, or complications from certain medications like blood thinners.