Subconjunctival hemorrhage or ruptured capillary in the eye is usually a harmless situation that passes after a few weeks.
Red spots in the eye appear when the capillary bursts just below the mucous membrane of the eye, i.e. under the conjunctiva. The mucous membrane cannot absorb blood quickly, so it remains “trapped”, clogging the blood vessel and causing a red spot in the eye.
The rupture of the capillaries in the eye is a painless event and cannot be felt. It is visible only when you look in the mirror.
Reasons
The cause of capillary rupture in the eye is not always known, but can occur as a result of:
- Sudden changes in blood pressure;
- Sneezing;
- Coughing;
- Crying;
- Eye rubbing;
- Physical exertion;
- Experienced stress;
- Eye infections (conjunctivitis).
People suffering from certain diseases are more likely to have a ruptured capillary. These diseases are:
- Diabetes;
- Hypertension or high blood pressure;
- Disorders that result in blood clots;
- Use of blood-thinning drugs;
- Glaucoma.
Symptoms
The rupture of the capillaries in the eye is usually not felt and this phenomenon does not hurt, however, the symptoms that appear are:
- Bloody bruise in the eye;
- Mild itching or irritation of the eye.
When should you call a doctor?
Complications after capillary rupture in the eye are rare, but you should contact your doctor in the following cases:
- Your eyes hurt and itch;
- An eye infection has developed;
- You have severe headache and vomiting;
- Bleeding also occurs in the mouth or in the form of bruises all over the body;
- Eye bruising lasts more than a month;
- You often have this condition.
Capillary rupture in infants and children
When babies and young children have cracked capillaries in their eyes, this can be a concern for parents. No need to worry, the bruises in the eye pass quickly. In them the capillaries may burst as a result of:
- Loud crying and straining;
- Occurrence of infection in the eye;
- Injury when playing with a certain object;
- Too strong contractions during childbirth in the mother;
- Strain on hard / irregular stools;
- Strong shaking / rocking of the child.
Treatment
In normal cases, no treatment is needed and it passes spontaneously. The blood will be absorbed within a few weeks, depending on the size of the bruise.
However, there are several ways you can relieve itching or discomfort if they occur, and these are:
- Use of artificial tears or eye drops to reduce irritation;
- If there is an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic drops or eye ointment.