A “popped blood vessel” in the eye is medically termed a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition occurs when one of the tiny blood vessels beneath the conjunctiva breaks. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. When blood leaks here, it becomes trapped, creating a noticeable red patch. Although the appearance can be alarming, the condition is common, typically benign, and usually causes no pain or change in vision.
Why Contact Lenses Must Be Avoided
The immediate presence of a subconjunctival hemorrhage requires the complete cessation of contact lens wear. The primary concern during this period is the heightened risk of developing a serious eye infection. When a blood vessel breaks, it disrupts the natural, protective integrity of the eye’s surface, leaving the tissue vulnerable.
Inserting a contact lens introduces foreign material and bacterial contaminants directly onto this compromised surface. Bacteria colonizing the lens or the surrounding environment can easily enter the micro-abrasions caused by the hemorrhage, potentially leading to conditions like microbial keratitis. This type of infection can rapidly escalate and threaten long-term visual health.
Furthermore, the contact lens creates constant mechanical friction against the eye. The lens rubs against the already damaged tissue covering the hemorrhage. This persistent irritation acts as a physical barrier to the natural healing process.
This continuous rubbing can exacerbate the underlying trauma and significantly delay the rate at which the blood is naturally reabsorbed. Avoiding lenses ensures the eye can focus its resources entirely on repairing the damaged vascular structure without external interference.
Essential Care Steps During Healing
While the eye heals, the most immediate step is to switch exclusively to wearing prescription glasses. This eliminates any direct contact or pressure on the delicate ocular surface while still maintaining functional vision. The blood patch will naturally fade and reabsorb over time, similar to a bruise.
Proper eye hygiene is important to prevent secondary complications during the healing phase. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen the bleeding or introduce bacteria. When cleaning the face, use gentle motions and ensure that soaps or cosmetic products do not run directly into the eye.
In most instances, a subconjunctival hemorrhage resolves without intervention. However, certain symptoms necessitate an immediate consultation with an eye care professional. If the hemorrhage is accompanied by significant eye pain, or if the eye begins to discharge mucus or pus, professional medical attention is required.
Any change in visual acuity, such as blurriness or double vision, must be promptly evaluated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Additionally, if the hemorrhage does not show signs of clearing or begins to expand after the first week, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue requiring diagnosis and treatment.
Determining When Contact Use Can Resume
The decision to return to wearing contact lenses must align with the eye’s complete return to a normal, healthy state. The single most important criterion is that the visible blood patch must have entirely disappeared from the white of the eye. This reabsorption process typically takes between ten and fourteen days, though smaller hemorrhages may clear more quickly.
Resuming lens wear before the underlying vessel damage is fully healed risks immediate re-irritation and potentially another hemorrhage. Even if the eye feels comfortable, microscopic damage may still be present, making the tissue susceptible to abrasion from the lens. Therefore, patience is required until the eye is visually clear and white once more.
Seeking professional clearance from an eye doctor before reintroducing lenses is a recommended safety measure, especially for individuals with a history of recurrent hemorrhages or previous eye infections. The doctor can confirm that the conjunctiva is completely intact and that there are no residual signs of inflammation. This consultation is particularly important for specialty lens wearers, such as those using rigid gas permeable lenses.
When the eye care professional confirms the eye is fully healed, begin the resumption process with a fresh, sterile pair of contact lenses. Discarding the old pair is necessary because the previous lenses may have been exposed to bacteria or contaminants during the period of eye trauma. Starting with a new pair minimizes the chance of introducing old pathogens back onto the recovered ocular surface.
Furthermore, the doctor may choose to re-evaluate the fit of the lenses to ensure optimal comfort and movement. A slight adjustment in fit or material can prevent future mechanical stress that might predispose the eye to another subconjunctival hemorrhage.