Redness in the eyes could be the result of burst blood vessel. It is medically known as subconjunctival hemorrhage. Read this article to find out how to treat this problem.
There are many times when we find burst blood vessels either on our legs, hands and even face. Burst blood vessel, generally looks red or purplish-blue in color. Sometimes, one may even suffer from burst blood vessel in eye. This is generally not a serious eye problem and more of a cosmetic problem. It can occur due to high blood pressure and stress. Small blood vessel in eyes break and cause a ‘red eye’. It is medically known as subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Symptoms
Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or burst blood vessel is also called hyposphagma. It is a condition where one observes bleeding under the conjunctiva. The delicate blood vessels under the conjunctiva get broken or ruptured causing blood to pool in the space between the conjunctiva and sclera.
The most prominent symptom of blood vessel burst in eye is a bright red patch on the sclera (white) of the eye. One may not have any kind discharge, change in vision or pain in the eye. One may feel itchy and scratchy on the eye surface. As the hemorrhage spreads in the eye, it may appear green or yellow. It disappears within 2 weeks of appearance.
Causes
Apart from high blood pressure and stress, there are many reasons behind this condition. These include aggressive coughing, sneezing, severe hypertension, use of blood thinner medications and blood dyscrasia. Other causes include leptospirosis, eye trauma, base of skull fracture. Increase in venous pressure also causes bursting of blood vessels in eye. The venous pressure may increase due to:
- Vomiting
- Severe constipation
- Coughing
- Straining
- Strenuous exercise
- Chocking
Treatment
Burst blood vessel in eye is usually a painless condition, and one realizes they have one when they look in the mirror. It is a harmless condition that can alarm people. However, it can turn serious, if one feels there is change in their vision, have high blood pressure, or have suffered from a physical injury of the eye.
When one observes blood in the front part of the eye between the cornea and the pupil, it needs immediate medical help. This condition called hyphema can lead to sudden glaucoma and permanent loss of vision. Pain in eye, loss of vision, discharge from eye, cloudy cornea, eyelid swelling are other instances, when one needs to seek medical help immediately.
Broken blood vessel in eye is not a serious complication and will go away on its own in a few days. However, many people think of it as a cosmetic problem and want to escape the stares and gasps by people around them.
For treatment, one can use eye drops to relieve the itchy feeling one may feel due to ‘red eye’. You can even use artificial tears to sooth your scratchy eyes. Otherwise, one may have to simple wait for the blood to get absorbed by the eye. This may take about 1 to 2 weeks. Other than that there is nothing much to do. However, use of aspirin or other NSAIDs should be strictly avoided.
Prevention
You cannot probably prevent a popped blood vessel in eye, but try some preventive measures to lower the chances. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should begin with a healthy diet to keep the ragging blood in your body in control. You should regularly take the medications advised for high blood pressure to keep it in control. If you suffer from constipation, then should avoid putting a lot of strain while passing stools. You should take laxatives that help ease your constipated bowel movements. Coughing and sneezing cannot be controlled generally, but if you have a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle, you probably won’t be suffering from frequent blood vessel burst in eye. Diabetics should remain extra careful about their eye as burst vessels may lead to blindness, in extreme cases.
If you do not experience anything more than a bright red patch on sclera and scratchy eyelid, then you should relax. You can visit your doctor to get rid of any doubts whatsoever on eye vessel burst. It will sooth away on its own in about 10 to 14 days.