Treating a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye at Home

If you look into the mirror and notice a bright red spot in the white of the eye, you may be alarmed and unsure what it means. A broken blood vessel in the white of the eye is known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Blood from the broken vessel gets trapped under the clear covering called the conjunctiva.

While it may look unsightly, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is something that you can find relief for at home. It will often go away on its own within two to three weeks. However, if you notice certain warning signs, it is important to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist (both are eye specialists).

In this article, you’ll find out how a subconjunctival hemorrhage is treated. Learn what you can do at home, possible medications, what to expect while healing, what to avoid, and more.

Does a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye Require Treatment?

Most of the time, when you notice a blood spot in the eye, it will resolve on its own within a few weeks. The bright red will change to a shade of brown before then becoming yellow, just like a bruise on the skin might.

The only treatment required may be something that addresses the root cause of the broken blood vessel, such as high blood pressure.

Treating a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye at Home

Your eye doctor may suggest moistening the eye with artificial tears to ease discomfort. Then, it’s just a question of waiting as the eye heals.

Unfortunately, you can’t do anything to make the broken blood vessel clear up faster, apart from possibly applying a warm compress, which some think may help. If you want to try a warm compress, you can run a washcloth under hot water, wring it out, and apply it to your eye until the cloth cools.

Medications

No medications can help you get rid of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. If your eye is irritated, you may wish to take something to relieve the discomfort. Avoid aspirin, a blood thinner that can potentially cause more bleeding. Instead, use a pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) to ease discomfort.

If you are taking a prescribed blood thinner, your healthcare provider may lower the dosage or advise that you stop taking this for a time. But don’t stop taking this medication without talking to them first.

If you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder that is the cause of the broken blood vessel, your eye doctor may prescribe something to lower bleeding risk, suggest including a clotting factor, or suggest undergoing a blood or platelet transfusion.

Your blood pressure may also be to blame. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure so that it is closer to the normal range.

What to Expect While Healing

When dealing with a subconjunctival hemorrhage, you will first notice a bright red blood spot in the eye. Then, during the first day or two, this can get bigger. After that, the red begins to fade and change color, ultimately turning yellow before dissipating once the blood is reabsorbed. It may be gone in a week or take as long as three.

What to Avoid If You Have a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye

If you have a broken blood vessel, preventing a new one from developing can depend on why the blood vessel broke in the first place.

Some of the risk factors are avoidable, while others are not. Discuss them with a healthcare provider to know what your options may be to reduce your risk:

• Injury to the eye: Wear protective eyewear for sports and activities where injury is possible.
• Wearing contact lenses: Discuss options with your eye doctor.
• Sneezing, coughing, or vomiting: Prevent contagious illness with handwashing, proper food handling, and other measures. Manage chronic conditions like allergies.
• Straining while passing stool: Discuss treatment options for constipation, including lifestyle measures like eating more fiber, with a healthcare provider.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Most of the time, just like a bruise elsewhere fades away on its own, so will a subconjunctival hemorrhage. But if the broken blood vessel does not go away, you notice any vision loss, or feel pain, you should have this promptly checked out.

You should also promptly contact an eye doctor if you experience another subconjunctival hemorrhage so they can determine what is going on and prevent it from recurring.

Summary

A broken blood vessel in the eye can appear out of nowhere and be distressing. While this may look scary, most of the time, it will resolve on its own as the body reabsorbs the blood. Still, it’s essential to remain alert for any new occurrences of broken blood vessels in the eye, pain, or loss of vision and get the eye promptly evaluated if these occur.