Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Red eyes after waking up or after coughing and sneezing forcefully may be a sign of broken capillaries in the eye. This condition can cause quite a bit of concern, much like concerns about the appearance around the eyes. What causes this condition, is it truly dangerous, and how should we take care of ourselves? Let’s find out.

Symptoms of Broken Capillaries in the Eye 

In general, blood will appear on the white part of the eye. The size of the red area may vary from small to large depending on the person. This condition usually does not affect vision and does not cause pain or irritation, although some people may feel slight eye discomfort. Most people usually notice it themselves when looking in the mirror or when someone points it out.

What Causes Broken Capillaries in the Eye? 

The causes of broken capillaries in the eye may be closer to everyday life than many people think. This condition occurs when small blood vessels beneath the conjunctiva of the white part of the eye tear, causing blood to collect in that area. Common triggering factors include the following:

• A sudden increase in body pressure from coughing, sneezing, straining forcefully during bowel movements, or even lifting heavy objects
• Eye trauma, which may be caused by a direct accident or rubbing the eyes too forcefully
• High blood pressure, which can make blood vessel walls more fragile and more likely to rupture than usual
• Side effects from certain medications, especially anticoagulant medications such as aspirin or warfarin
• Certain underlying diseases such as diabetes or conditions that cause blood to clot more slowly than normal 

Are Broken Capillaries in the Eye Dangerous? 

In most cases, this condition is not dangerous and does not cause permanent damage to the eyes or vision. However, symptoms should be closely monitored. If the redness does not fade within 2-3 weeks, if there is severe eye pain, vision changes from normal, or the condition occurs repeatedly, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately, as it may be a sign of another hidden health problem. 

Basic Self-Care When Broken Capillaries in the Eye Occur 

What should you do when broken capillaries in the eye occur? While waiting for the body to recover and absorb the pooled blood on its own, you can take simple basic care of your eyes to reduce discomfort. Proper care can help the eyes return to a brighter appearance more quickly.

• Rest your eyes: Avoid activities that require staring at screens for long periods so the eyes can relax and recover fully.
• Apply a cold compress: You can wrap ice in a clean cloth and gently apply it around the eyes for 5-10 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling, if any.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing the eyes may trigger more bleeding and increase the risk of infection, so it should be strictly avoided.

How Are Broken Blood Vessels in the Eye Treated? 

For the question of how broken blood vessels in the eye should be treated, in general, this condition can heal on its own through the body’s natural process within 1-3 weeks, without the need for specific treatment. The pooled blood will gradually be absorbed and fade away on its own. During this time, artificial tears may be used to increase moisture and reduce irritation. However, if the cause is related to an underlying disease or an accident, you should see a doctor to treat the root cause, such as controlling blood pressure or treating abnormal bleeding conditions. 

When Is It Necessary to See a Doctor? 

Although most cases are not dangerous, certain warning signs indicate you should see an ophthalmologist for a detailed examination immediately. These include broken blood vessels in the eye that do not improve or redness that spreads wider after 2-3 days, severe eye pain, reduced vision or double vision, bleeding from other parts of the body, or this condition occurring abnormally often. Seeing a doctor will help ensure that there is no serious underlying condition.

Prevention Methods to Reduce Risk 

We can reduce the chance of broken capillaries in the eye by taking care of both eye health and overall health. Start by keeping blood pressure within a normal range, being careful not to cough, sneeze, or strain too forcefully, and avoiding lifting very heavy objects. If you need to do activities that carry a risk of eye impact, always wear protective equipment. In addition, resting your eyes periodically when working on a computer screen and avoiding forceful eye rubbing are also important ways to protect the delicate capillaries around the eyes. 

Summary

Broken capillaries in the eye are a common condition and are usually not dangerous. They can heal on their own within a few weeks without treatment, simply by resting the eyes and avoiding triggering factors. However, if abnormal symptoms occur, such as eye pain, unclear vision, or frequent recurrence, you should consult a doctor immediately. For those interested in correcting other eye-related concerns, you can consult the expert ophthalmologists at Sky Clinic, who specialize in Double Eyelid Surgery for multiple eyelid crease correction and drooping eyelids, Epicanthoplasty, Ptosis Correction, Subbrow Lift, and Under-Eye Bag Removal Surgery to receive treatment that is suitable for your concerns.