A sudden, bright red patch on the white of the eye is medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition occurs when one of the tiny blood vessels beneath the conjunctiva—the thin, clear membrane covering the eye’s surface—ruptures. While the appearance can be startling, this collection of blood is typically harmless, similar to a bruise on the skin. It does not affect vision or cause pain.
Common Causes of the Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage results from a sudden, temporary spike in blood pressure within the eye’s capillaries. The conjunctiva contains small, fragile blood vessels that can easily break under increased force. Any activity involving straining or forceful exhalation can create this pressure surge in the head and neck area.
The most frequent triggers include intense actions like vigorous sneezing, a hard bout of coughing, or forceful vomiting. Straining during heavy lifting or while experiencing constipation can also cause a vessel to rupture. Even aggressive eye rubbing can generate enough pressure to cause the bleeding.
Certain health conditions or medications increase the likelihood of these vessels breaking. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or those taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin are more susceptible. These factors weaken vessel walls or interfere with the body’s natural clotting process, making a hemorrhage more likely from a minor pressure change.
Managing the Healing Process
Resolving a subconjunctival hemorrhage requires waiting for the body to reabsorb the collected blood. Since the blood is trapped between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera, the body’s immune system must break down and clear the blood cells. This process typically ranges from one to three weeks.
The duration depends on the size of the hemorrhage. A small spot may disappear in a few days, but a larger patch can take three weeks or longer to resolve. As the blood is absorbed, the color of the patch changes, similar to a bruise.
Initially, the spot appears bright red. Over the next several days, as hemoglobin breaks down, the color progresses through darker reds and maroon. The final stage often involves the area turning a greenish-yellow tint before the white of the eye is completely restored.
There is no medical treatment, eye drop, or home remedy that can accelerate the rate of reabsorption. Applying hot or cold compresses is ineffective for speeding up clearance. Management focuses on allowing the body to complete its natural biological process.
If the eye feels slightly gritty or irritated, artificial tears can be used for comfort. These lubricating drops soothe surface irritation but do not influence the healing time of the underlying hemorrhage. Continuing normal daily activities is safe, as the hemorrhage does not affect vision.
Signs That Require a Doctor Visit
Most subconjunctival hemorrhages are benign, but certain accompanying symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. A simple hemorrhage should not cause pain; therefore, the presence of true pain in the eye, beyond a mild scratchy feeling, indicates a potentially more serious underlying issue.
Any change in vision, such as blurriness or double vision, is a serious red flag. Since the blood is on the surface, it should never obscure the pupil or affect sight. If blood appears over the clear cornea or the black part of the eye, it suggests a different condition, such as a hyphema.
A doctor should be consulted immediately if you experience:
- Discharge, swelling, or extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- The hemorrhage occurred following significant trauma or a blow to the head or eye.
- The red patch fails to disappear completely within two to three weeks.
- Hemorrhages occur frequently without a clear cause, which may indicate uncontrolled high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder.