
Understanding Red Spot in Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
December 19, 2024A red spot in the eye is a common condition that can be alarming when first noticed, but often, it’s harmless and resolves on its own. These red spots are typically caused by a subconjunctival hemorrhage, in which a tiny blood vessel breaks in the eye, causing blood to pool underneath the eye’s surface. This may lead to a visible blood spot on the surface of your eye, often making the eye appear red or bloodshot. While it may look concerning, in most cases, it is a benign condition that does not require extensive treatment.
This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for subconjunctival hemorrhages. We will also provide the information needed to understand when to see Dr Anton van Heerden clinic ophthalmologist in Melbourne and when the condition can be managed at home.
What is a Red Spot in the Eye?
A red spot in the eye is generally the result of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which occurs when a small blood vessel in the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of your eye, breaks. The conjunctiva has many tiny blood vessels, and if one of these vessels ruptures, blood leaks into the space beneath the conjunctiva, creating a bright red or dark red patch on the eye’s surface.
Although this condition can be startling, it is often not a serious health concern. Subconjunctival hemorrhages are usually painless and do not affect vision. The red spot may last for a few days to a few weeks and typically fades without the need for medical treatment.
Causes of a Red Spot in the Eye
A subconjunctival hemorrhage can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor irritation to underlying health conditions. Some of the common causes include:
1. Eye Injury or Trauma
One of the most common causes of a burst blood vessel in the eye is eye injury. This could result from rubbing your eye too vigorously, trauma from an accident, or even an injury during sports. A broken blood vessel due to an impact or accident can lead to a noticeable blood spot in the eye. In most cases, this is harmless and heals independently without long-term effects.
2. Increased Pressure in the Eye
Sometimes, a tiny blood vessel breaks due to increased eye pressure. This can happen during heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing, or straining during bowel movements. The increase in pressure can cause the delicate blood vessels in the conjunctiva to rupture, leading to a red spot in the eye.
3. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can weaken the blood vessels, including the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. When these vessels become fragile, they are more prone to breaking, which may lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. If you have high blood pressure, it is essential to manage the condition to reduce the risk of eye problems.
4. Blood Clotting Disorders
Certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or bleeding disorders, can make it more likely for blood vessels to break. If you have a condition that affects your blood’s ability to clot properly, you may be at higher risk for subconjunctival hemorrhages. Conditions such as hemophilia or taking blood thinning medication like blood thinners or aspirin can increase the likelihood of developing a red spot in the eye.
5. Medications
Taking certain medications can also make blood vessels more prone to breaking. Blood thinning medication, such as warfarin or aspirin, is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots. However, these medications can interfere with the normal clotting process, making the tiny blood vessels in the eyes more likely to rupture. If you’re on blood thinning medication, consult your doctor if you experience frequent or recurring subconjunctival hemorrhages.
6. Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to a red spot in the eye. This may occur due to irritation from poorly fitting lenses, improper cleaning, or accidental cornea scratching. If you wear contact lenses and notice a blood spot, it may be a sign that the lenses are irritating or that there is an underlying issue with your eye health.
7. Eye Surgery or Medical Procedures
After eye surgery or certain medical procedures, a red spot in the eye can occasionally occur due to the disruption of the tiny blood vessels in the eye. These blood vessels can break during surgery or procedures, leading to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is usually temporary and resolves with time.
8. Rubbing Your Eye
Rubbing your eyes too aggressively or frequently can lead to a small blood vessel rupture, resulting in a red spot in your eye. This can happen if you rub your eyes when irritated, tired, or itchy, such as during allergy season or after waking up in the morning.
9. Other Risk Factors
Other factors that can increase the risk of a subconjunctival hemorrhage include:
- Old age: As you age, your blood vessels become more fragile, making them more susceptible to breaking.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can affect the blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of eye ruptures.
- Eye strain: Long periods of reading, screen time, or other activities that strain the eyes can also contribute to the condition.
Symptoms of a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically causes the eye to appear red or bloodshot, but the condition is usually painless. Most people with this condition do not experience any significant symptoms. However, some of the possible symptoms include:
- A red spot or blood spot in the white part of your eye (the sclera).
- Light sensitivity or discomfort in the affected eye (though this is rare).
- Eye irritation, such as a dry or scratchy feeling, but there is usually no severe pain.
- Swelling or mild eye pain (in rare cases).
If you experience any of the following, you should see a doctor to ensure there are no complications or underlying issues:
- Severe eye pain or discomfort.
- Vision changes, such as blurred vision or sudden vision loss.
- Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages or multiple occurrences in a short time.
- Eye discharge or any sign of infection.
How to Treat a Red Spot in the Eye
In most cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages do not require specific medical treatment and heal independently. However, if you’re experiencing discomfort or if the condition persists for more than a few weeks, there are a few steps you can take to ease symptoms and promote healing:
1. Cold Compresses
If you’re experiencing swelling or discomfort, a cold compress applied to the closed eyelid may help alleviate the symptoms. Be sure to use a clean cloth and gently apply it to the affected area for a few minutes.
2. Artificial Tears
If the red spot in the eye is causing irritation or dryness, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears to help lubricate the eye. These eye drops can help relieve dryness and reduce irritation, making the healing process more comfortable.
3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can irritate the affected area and may cause the condition to worsen. Be mindful of this, especially if your eyes feel itchy or dry.
4. Monitor Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it is essential to manage your condition to reduce the risk of eye problems. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and follow your healthcare provider’s advice for managing hypertension.
5. Consult an Eye Doctor
If you have any concerns or if the red spot in the eye doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s best to see a doctor. An eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) can perform a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any underlying conditions and determine if further treatment is needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most subconjunctival hemorrhages are harmless, there are some instances where you should seek medical attention:
- If you have eye pain, especially if it’s severe.
- If you experience vision changes, such as blurry vision or sudden vision loss.
- If the red spot does not improve after a few weeks.
- If you notice eye discharge, it may indicate an infection.
- If you have a history of blood clotting disorders or are on blood thinning medication.
In these cases, your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and may recommend additional tests or treatments.
Conclusion
A red spot in the eye is usually caused by a subconjunctival hemorrhage, a harmless condition in which a small blood vessel breaks in the eye. While seeing a blood spot in the eye can be alarming, it is generally not a serious concern and resolves on its own within a few weeks. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as eye pain, vision changes, or recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, be sure to see a doctor for further evaluation.
In most cases, subconjunctival hemorrhage treatment involves managing symptoms and allowing the condition to heal naturally. Taking care of your eye health and managing any underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders, can help reduce the likelihood of future incidents.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324752
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003031.htm#:~:text=Sometimes%2C%20a%20bright%20red%20spot,almost%20never%20a%20serious%20problem.
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/subconjunctival-hemorrhage-eye-red-spot-causes