Seeing a bright red spot on the white of your eye can be alarming. While it might look serious, a broken blood vessel in the eye, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is typically a harmless and painless condition. It's simply a small bruise on the surface of your eye that will heal on its own.
There is no quick fix to make it disappear instantly. However, understanding the healing process and knowing what to do and what to avoid will ensure a smooth recovery.
The Natural Healing Process
A broken blood vessel in your eye is just like a bruise on your skin. The blood is trapped under a thin, transparent membrane called the conjunctiva. Your body will naturally reabsorb the blood over time.
Timeline: The process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for the spot to disappear completely.
Appearance: The bright red spot will likely change colors as it heals, gradually fading to a yellowish or pinkish tint before it vanishes.
During this time, you should not feel any pain or have any changes to your vision.
What You Can Do to Support Healing
The most important thing you can do is let your body heal itself. While there is no treatment to speed up the process, you can take steps to avoid making it worse.
Be Patient: Let the spot heal on its own. This is a temporary cosmetic issue, and the best "treatment" is time.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This is crucial. Rubbing your eyes can cause further irritation and potentially lead to more broken blood vessels.
Use Artificial Tears: If your eye feels dry or itchy, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help provide comfort. These drops will not make the hemorrhage heal faster, but they can soothe any dryness.
Be Cautious with Medications: If you take blood thinners or regularly take aspirin or ibuprofen, be aware that these can make the bleeding worse or prolong the healing time. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about your medications.
When to See a Doctor
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
The redness does not improve or seems to get bigger after two weeks.
You have pain in your eye or a significant change in your vision (e.g., blurriness or double vision).
The broken blood vessels are a frequent or recurring issue.
The issue is accompanied by a recent injury to the eye or head.
You have a history of high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder.
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