The sudden appearance of a bright red spot on the white part of your eye can be alarming, but it is a common condition that rarely signals a serious health threat. This visible spot results from a small blood vessel breaking beneath the eye’s surface. The process is typically painless and occurs without any noticeable symptoms. While the intense coloration may cause concern, this type of bleeding rarely affects vision or requires medical intervention.
Identifying the Cause: Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
The red spot is formally identified as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is a collection of blood trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane covering the sclera, the tough, white outer layer of the eyeball. This membrane contains numerous fragile capillaries that can rupture easily.
When a capillary breaks, the blood leaks out but is held in place by the conjunctiva, preventing quick absorption. The trapped blood forms a sharply defined, bright red patch. This condition is essentially a bruise on the eye’s surface and should not cause discharge, pain, or vision impairment.
Common Triggers for Broken Blood Vessels
The rupture of these delicate capillaries is often caused by a sudden, temporary increase in venous pressure within the head or chest. This pressure surge is triggered by actions that involve straining, known as a Valsalva maneuver. Forceful events like intense coughing, vigorous sneezing, or vomiting can cause a hemorrhage.
Physical exertion is another common cause, such as straining during a bowel movement or lifting a heavy object. Capillaries can also break due to minor direct trauma, including accidentally poking the eye or rubbing the eyes too aggressively. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown, and the bleeding may occur spontaneously, possibly related to minor blood pressure fluctuations.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless, specific accompanying symptoms indicate the need for immediate consultation with an eye care professional. Seek urgent examination if the red spot is accompanied by eye pain, a persistent foreign body sensation, or discharge. Changes to vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or sudden loss of visual acuity, are serious red flags.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia), or seeing flashes of light or new floaters should also prompt an examination. If the hemorrhage occurred after a significant head or eye injury, or if the bleeding happens repeatedly, an underlying issue may be present. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or those with known blood clotting disorders should also seek a check-up.
Healing Time and What to Expect During Recovery
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves without medical treatment. The body naturally reabsorbs the blood, much like a bruise on the skin. Complete clearing usually takes between one and three weeks, depending on the initial size.
As the blood reabsorbs, the bright red color gradually changes, moving through shades of darker red, orange, yellow, or green before disappearing. This discoloration is a normal sign of healing as the hemoglobin breaks down. Avoid rubbing the eye during this time; using artificial tears may provide relief if a mild gritty sensation occurs.