7 Key Symptoms of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Broken Blood Vessel in Eye)

A subconjunctival hemorrhage, commonly known as a broken blood vessel in eye, occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). The conjunctiva cannot absorb blood very quickly, so the blood becomes trapped, creating a bright red patch on the white part of your eye. While a popped blood vessel in eye may look alarming, it is usually harmless and often painless. This condition can affect anyone and typically resolves on its own without treatment within one to two weeks.

Understanding the symptoms of a burst blood vessel in eye is important to distinguish this benign condition from more serious eye problems that require immediate medical attention. Most people discover they have a subconjunctival hemorrhage when looking in the mirror or when someone else points it out, as it often produces minimal discomfort.

1. Bright Red Patch on the White of the Eye

The most obvious and characteristic symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red spot or patch on the white part of your eye (sclera). This red area is caused by blood that has leaked from a broken blood vessel and spread beneath the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eye.

The appearance can vary significantly:

• Size: The red patch may be small, affecting only a tiny portion of the eye, or it can be quite large, covering a significant area of the white part of the eye
• Shape: The blood spot may appear as a small dot, a streak, or it can spread across the entire visible white surface of the eye
• Color: Initially, the patch appears bright red or crimson, but as it heals over several days, it may change to orange, yellow, or light pink before disappearing completely
• Location: The hemorrhage can occur anywhere on the white of the eye, though it’s typically confined to one area

Unlike other eye conditions, the redness is usually very well-defined with clear borders where the blood has pooled under the conjunctiva. The blood in the white of eye does not spread to the colored part (iris) or affect the pupil.

2. No Pain or Minimal Discomfort

A distinctive feature of subconjunctival hemorrhage is that it typically causes little to no pain. Most people with a burst blood vessel eye experience no discomfort whatsoever, which can be surprising given the dramatic appearance of the condition. This absence of pain helps distinguish a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage from more serious eye conditions.

However, some individuals may experience:

• Mild scratchy sensation: A slight feeling similar to having an eyelash or small particle in the eye
• Fullness or awareness: A subtle sensation that something is different with the eye, though not painful
• Minor irritation: Slight discomfort when blinking, particularly in the first day or two after the hemorrhage occurs

If you experience significant pain, sharp stabbing sensations, or severe discomfort along with the red spot in eye, this may indicate a different or more serious condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.

3. No Vision Changes or Impairment

One of the most reassuring aspects of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is that it does not affect your vision. The blood collects beneath the conjunctiva, which is outside the optical pathway of the eye, meaning light still travels normally through your cornea, pupil, and lens to reach your retina.

Key characteristics regarding vision include:

• Clear vision: Your ability to see remains completely normal and unchanged
• No blurriness: There should be no blurring, haziness, or clouding of your vision
• No floaters: You should not see new floating spots or shadows in your field of vision
• Normal light sensitivity: Your eye should respond normally to light without unusual sensitivity or discomfort

If you notice any vision changes accompanying the bloody eye appearance—such as blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision, or seeing flashes of light—seek immediate medical attention, as these symptoms suggest a more serious eye problem beyond a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage.

4. Sudden Onset Without Warning

A busted blood vessel in eye typically occurs suddenly and without warning. Most people don’t feel the blood vessel break and only discover the hemorrhage after it has already happened. This sudden appearance is characteristic of the condition.

Common scenarios include:

• Discovery upon waking: Many people first notice the red patch in their eye when looking in the mirror in the morning
• Noticed by others: Often, someone else points out the red spot before you’re aware of it yourself
• After physical strain: Some individuals notice the hemorrhage immediately following activities that increase pressure, such as heavy lifting, coughing, or sneezing
• No preceding symptoms: Unlike many eye conditions, there are typically no warning signs before a subconjunctival hemorrhage appears

The blood in eyeball appears fully formed when first noticed because the bleeding happens quickly and then stops. The hemorrhage doesn’t gradually worsen or spread over time; what you see initially is generally the full extent of the bleeding.

5. Slight Foreign Body Sensation

While a ruptured blood vessel in eye is usually painless, some people experience a mild foreign body sensation. This feels similar to having a small particle, such as an eyelash or grain of sand, in your eye, even though nothing is actually there.

This sensation occurs because:

• Surface irregularity: The accumulated blood creates a slight elevation or bump beneath the conjunctiva, which can cause awareness when blinking
• Conjunctival irritation: The process of the blood vessel breaking may cause minor irritation to the surrounding tissue
• Increased awareness: Simply knowing about the hemorrhage can make you more conscious of normal eye sensations
• Dryness: The affected area may feel slightly different when your eyelid moves across it

This sensation, if present, is typically mild and temporary, usually resolving within a day or two. The feeling should not be sharp, painful, or intense. If the foreign body sensation is severe or accompanied by excessive tearing, it’s advisable to consult an eye care professional.

6. No Discharge or Tearing

An important distinguishing feature of subconjunctival hemorrhage is the absence of discharge or excessive tearing. Unlike infections or other inflammatory eye conditions, a simple eye blood vessel burst does not produce pus, mucus, or abnormal secretions.

Characteristics include:

• Clear tears only: If any tearing occurs, it should be clear, not cloudy, yellow, or green
• No crusting: Your eyelashes and eyelids should not have dried discharge or crusting, especially upon waking
• Normal tear production: Tear production remains at normal levels without excessive watering
• No stickiness: Your eyelids should not stick together or feel sticky

If you notice any discharge along with the blood clot in eye, this may indicate an additional problem such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or another infection. In such cases, medical evaluation is recommended to determine if treatment is necessary.

7. Gradual Color Change During Healing

As a subconjunctival hemorrhage heals, the red patch undergoes a characteristic color transformation, similar to a bruise healing on your skin. This gradual change is a normal part of the healing process and indicates that your body is reabsorbing the trapped blood.

The typical progression includes:

• Days 1-3: Bright red or crimson color at its most vivid; the patch may appear its largest during this period
• Days 4-7: The red begins to fade slightly and may take on a darker or duller red appearance
• Days 7-10: Colors shift to orange, yellow, or light brown as blood breaks down and is reabsorbed
• Days 10-14: The patch becomes progressively lighter, fading to pale yellow or pink
• Days 14-21: Complete resolution with the eye returning to its normal white appearance

The healing timeline can vary depending on the size of the eye hemorrhage. Larger hemorrhages may take longer to resolve, sometimes up to three weeks. The blood in eye should gradually become lighter and smaller, never darker or larger. If the hemorrhage appears to worsen or doesn’t show signs of improvement after a week, consult an eye care professional.

Main Causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Understanding what causes a popped blood vessel in eye can help you recognize risk factors and potentially prevent future occurrences. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva are delicate and can break easily under certain circumstances.

Physical Strain and Pressure:

• Violent coughing or sneezing
• Heavy lifting or straining
• Vomiting
• Constipation and straining during bowel movements
• Intense physical exertion

Trauma and Injury:

• Direct injury to the eye or head
• Rubbing the eye too vigorously
• Foreign object in the eye
• Eye surgery or medical procedures

Medical Conditions:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Blood clotting disorders
• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
• Blood vessel abnormalities

Medications:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications
• Medications that affect blood clotting

Other Factors:

• Eye infections such as conjunctivitis
• Contact lens wear
• Sudden increases in blood pressure
• Aging (blood vessels become more fragile)
• In many cases, no specific cause can be identified

Prevention Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent a subconjunctival hemorrhage, certain measures can reduce your risk of experiencing a burst blood vessel in eye:

Manage Underlying Health Conditions:

• Keep blood pressure under control through medication, diet, and lifestyle modifications
• Manage diabetes with proper blood sugar control
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations for any blood disorders
• Attend regular medical check-ups to monitor chronic conditions

Protect Your Eyes:

• Wear protective eyewear during sports, work, or activities that pose eye injury risk
• Avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously
• Handle contact lenses with care and maintain proper hygiene
• Use proper technique when inserting or removing contact lenses

Reduce Physical Strain:

• Use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining
• Treat chronic coughs promptly
• Manage constipation with adequate fiber and fluids
• Warm up properly before intense physical activity

Medication Management:

• If you take blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
• Don’t stop or change medications without consulting your healthcare provider
• Inform your doctor if you experience frequent subconjunctival hemorrhages

Lifestyle Factors:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and K, which support blood vessel health
• Stay hydrated to maintain healthy blood circulation
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Don’t smoke, as smoking can weaken blood vessels

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a subconjunctival hemorrhage serious?

In most cases, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is not serious and is a benign condition that resolves on its own without treatment. However, if you experience vision changes, pain, recurrent hemorrhages, or if the hemorrhage occurred due to significant trauma, you should seek medical evaluation.

How long does it take for a broken blood vessel in eye to heal?

A typical subconjunctival hemorrhage takes between one to three weeks to heal completely. Smaller hemorrhages may resolve in as little as one week, while larger ones can take up to three weeks. The blood gradually changes color and fades as your body reabsorbs it.

Can I wear contact lenses with a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

It’s generally safe to wear contact lenses with a subconjunctival hemorrhage if you have no discomfort. However, if you experience any irritation, foreign body sensation, or if the hemorrhage was caused by contact lens wear, it’s best to give your eyes a rest and wear glasses until it heals.

When should I see a doctor for a burst blood vessel in eye?

Seek medical attention if you experience vision changes, significant eye pain, the hemorrhage covers the entire white of your eye, you have frequent recurrences, the hemorrhage resulted from eye trauma, you have bleeding disorders, or if the condition doesn’t improve after two weeks.

Can high blood pressure cause subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Yes, high blood pressure can contribute to subconjunctival hemorrhages by putting extra stress on blood vessel walls, making them more prone to breaking. If you experience frequent eye hemorrhages, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked and managed appropriately.

Is there any treatment for a popped blood vessel in eye?

Subconjunctival hemorrhages typically don’t require treatment and heal on their own. Artificial tears can help with any minor irritation. If you’re concerned about the appearance or have questions about your specific situation, consult an eye care professional who can provide personalized guidance.

Can stress cause a blood vessel to burst in your eye?

While stress itself doesn’t directly cause subconjunctival hemorrhage, stress can lead to behaviors or physical responses that might contribute, such as rubbing your eyes, increasing blood pressure, or causing you to strain during physical activities. Managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms may indirectly reduce your risk.

Will the red spot in my eye get worse before it gets better?

A subconjunctival hemorrhage may appear slightly larger within the first 24 hours as the blood spreads under the conjunctiva, but it should not significantly worsen. After the initial period, it should remain stable and then gradually fade. If it continues to grow or darken after the first day, consult an eye care professional.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
• American Academy of Ophthalmology – Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
• National Eye Institute – Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
• WebMD – Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
• Cleveland Clinic – Subconjunctival Hemorrhage