A burst blood vessel in the eye, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of the eye (conjunctiva) . The conjunctiva cant absorb blood very quickly, so the blood gets trapped and causes a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. This condition is usually harmless and often occurs without any obvious harm to the eye. Some common causes of a burst blood vessel in the eye include:
- Sneezing or coughing
- Vomiting or dry heaving
- Straining during physical activity
- Rubbing the eyes too hard
- Wearing contact lenses
- Taking medications, including blood thinners and a cancer drug called interferon
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes and other vascular disorders
In most cases, a burst blood vessel in the eye is harmless and goes away on its own within two weeks or so. However, if you experience pain or other symptoms, or if the condition doesn't improve after a couple of weeks, you should contact your doctor.
