Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramesh Gaddam, M.D. — Written by Sumalatha, D.N.H.E
A broken blood vessel in the eye, also known as a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage, can look scary but is usually harmless. It happens when a tiny blood vessel bursts, causing a red spot on the white part of your eye. This guide will help you understand how to care for it and heal quickly.
1. Immediate Steps After Noticing a Broken Blood Vessel
When you notice a broken blood vessel in your eye, taking immediate steps can help prevent further irritation and promote faster healing.
Stay Calm
A broken blood vessel in the eye may look alarming, but it is usually harmless and often resolves on its own within one to two weeks.
Staying calm is important to avoid unnecessary stress, which can worsen the condition.
Avoid Rubbing the Eye
Rubbing your eye can irritate it further and potentially cause more damage to the delicate blood vessels.
If your eye feels itchy or uncomfortable, try using artificial tears or a cold compress instead of rubbing.
Remove Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as you notice the broken blood vessel. Contact lenses can irritate the eye and hinder the healing process.
Switching to glasses temporarily will allow your eye to heal more comfortably.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress can help reduce any swelling and provide relief. Wrap a clean cloth around an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables and gently place it over the closed eyelid for about 10-15 minutes.
Repeat this a few times a day to help soothe the eye.
Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help keep your eye moist and relieve any discomfort.
Use the drops as directed, usually a few times a day, to keep your eye lubricated and promote healing.
Rest and Hydration
Ensuring you get enough rest and stay hydrated can aid in the healing process. Adequate sleep allows your body to repair itself, including the blood vessels in your eye. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated, which is essential for overall health and recovery.
These immediate steps can help you manage a broken blood vessel in your eye and promote faster healing. Remember to avoid rubbing your eye and consider using a cold compress and lubricating eye drops for relief.
2. Home Remedies and Care
Adopting simple home remedies and proper care techniques can significantly aid in the healing of a broken blood vessel in the eye.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort. Use a clean cloth wrapped around an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables. Place it gently over your closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes, a few times a day.
This can help constrict blood vessels and reduce redness.
Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can soothe the eye and keep it moist. Apply these drops as directed, usually a few times a day, to alleviate dryness and discomfort.
Avoid using eye drops with preservatives, as they can irritate the eye further.
Rest and Hydration
Ensuring you get adequate rest and stay hydrated is crucial for the healing process. Proper sleep allows your body to repair itself, including the blood vessels in your eye.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall health and support recovery.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Reducing physical strain is important to prevent aggravating the condition. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or activities that might increase blood pressure.
Resting allows your body to focus on healing the broken blood vessel.
Limit Screen Time
Prolonged screen use can cause eye strain and dryness, which might hinder the healing process. Take regular breaks from screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds), and consider using lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can support blood vessel health. Include foods high in vitamins C and K, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and bell peppers.
These vitamins help strengthen blood vessels and improve overall eye health.
Protective Eyewear
Using protective eyewear can prevent future injuries to your eyes. Whether you’re working with tools, playing sports, or exposed to dust and debris, safety glasses can shield your eyes from potential harm and reduce the risk of blood vessel damage.
Proper Eye Hygiene
Keeping your eyes clean and avoiding irritants is essential. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Use clean towels and pillowcases, and avoid exposure to smoke or other irritants that can aggravate your eyes.
By following these home remedies and care tips, you can promote faster healing of a broken blood vessel in your eye and maintain overall eye health.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments for Faster Healing
Incorporating specific lifestyle adjustments can further accelerate the healing process of a broken blood vessel in the eye and prevent future occurrences.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Engaging in strenuous physical activities can increase blood pressure and strain, potentially aggravating a broken blood vessel in the eye. Avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, and any activity that may cause physical stress.
Opt for light exercises such as walking or gentle stretching until your eye has fully healed.
Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time can cause eye strain and dryness, which may hinder the healing process. Try to limit the amount of time you spend looking at screens, whether it’s a computer, phone, or TV.
Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
Healthy Diet
A nutritious diet plays a vital role in overall health, including eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and K, such as citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers. These vitamins help strengthen blood vessels and support faster recovery.
Additionally, ensure you’re getting enough protein and healthy fats from sources like fish, nuts, and seeds.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing conditions that may lead to broken blood vessels in the eye, such as hypertension and diabetes. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key components of weight management.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, combined with strength training exercises.
Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and supporting the healing process.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your eyes moist. Proper hydration helps in the repair of blood vessels and other tissues.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular check-ups with an eye specialist can help monitor your eye health and detect any underlying issues early. If you experience frequent broken blood vessels, your doctor can investigate potential causes and recommend appropriate treatments or preventive measures.
Regular eye exams also help in managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes that can affect eye health.
Avoiding Eye Irritants
Minimize exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and chemicals that can exacerbate eye problems. Use protective eyewear in environments where these irritants are present.
Additionally, if you suffer from allergies, manage them effectively with medications or natural remedies to prevent eye irritation.
By making these lifestyle adjustments, you can support the healing process of a broken blood vessel in your eye and reduce the risk of future occurrences. Prioritize eye health and overall well-being through mindful habits and regular care.
4. When to Seek Medical Attention
While a broken blood vessel in the eye is typically harmless and resolves on its own, there are certain situations where medical attention is necessary. Knowing when to seek help can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Persistent Discomfort
If the pain or discomfort in your eye persists for more than a few days, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Prolonged pain could indicate an underlying issue that needs medical evaluation.
Recurring Incidents
Frequent occurrences of broken blood vessels in the eye may signal a more serious condition, such as high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder. If you experience this problem regularly, it’s crucial to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Other Symptoms
If you experience additional symptoms alongside the broken blood vessel, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may include:
- Vision Changes: Blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision
- Discharge: Yellow or green discharge from the eye
- Severe Pain: Intense pain in the eye or around it
- Swelling: Significant swelling around the eye
- Bleeding: Blood in other parts of the eye or from other areas
These symptoms could indicate more serious issues such as an infection, glaucoma, or retinal problems that require prompt medical intervention.
Prescription Eye Drops
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe eye drops to help with healing. If over-the-counter lubricating drops are not providing relief, a healthcare professional can recommend or prescribe stronger medication.
Monitoring Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common cause of broken blood vessels in the eye. If you have hypertension, it’s important to monitor and manage it effectively. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to keep your blood pressure under control through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or blood clotting disorders, can increase the risk of broken blood vessels in the eye. If you have any underlying health issues, work with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively. Proper management can prevent further eye problems and improve overall health.
By understanding when to seek medical attention, you can ensure that any serious underlying issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach helps maintain eye health and prevents potential complications.
5. Medical Treatments
If home remedies and lifestyle adjustments are insufficient for healing a broken blood vessel in your eye, medical treatments may be necessary. These treatments address both the symptoms and underlying causes to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
Prescription Eye Drops
A doctor may prescribe stronger eye drops if over-the-counter lubricating drops are not effective. These prescription drops can reduce inflammation and provide more significant relief from discomfort. Follow the doctor’s instructions on how to use these drops correctly to avoid side effects and promote healing.
Monitoring Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause of broken blood vessels in the eye. Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure are essential.
If your blood pressure is high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise adjustments, and possibly prescribe medication to control it.
Managing blood pressure effectively can prevent future occurrences of broken blood vessels.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
Certain underlying health conditions can increase the risk of broken blood vessels in the eye.
Conditions like diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and chronic hypertension need to be managed with the help of a healthcare professional.
Effective management of these conditions involves regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
Treatment for Eye Infections
If the broken blood vessel is accompanied by signs of an infection, such as discharge or severe pain, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. Treating the infection promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to the eye and ensure a quicker recovery.
Surgery
In rare cases where a broken blood vessel is caused by a more serious eye condition, surgical intervention might be necessary. This could involve procedures to repair damaged blood vessels or address underlying issues affecting eye health.
Surgery is typically considered only when other treatments have failed or when there is a significant risk to vision.
Regular Follow-ups
Regular follow-up appointments with your eye specialist are important to monitor the healing process and ensure no complications arise. During these visits, your doctor can assess your eye health, adjust treatments as necessary, and provide guidance on how to prevent future issues.
By seeking appropriate medical treatments when necessary, you can address both the symptoms and causes of a broken blood vessel in your eye. This comprehensive approach ensures effective healing and helps maintain long-term eye health.
6. Prevention Tips
Preventing broken blood vessels in the eye involves taking proactive steps to protect your eye health and minimize risk factors. These tips can help you avoid future occurrences and maintain overall eye well-being.
Protective Eyewear
Wearing protective eyewear can prevent injuries that might cause broken blood vessels. Use safety glasses when working with tools, playing sports, or in environments with dust and debris.
Protective eyewear shields your eyes from physical harm and reduces the risk of damage.
Proper Eye Hygiene
Maintaining good eye hygiene is essential for preventing irritation and infection. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Use clean towels and pillowcases to prevent bacteria and allergens from coming into contact with your eyes.
Additionally, avoid sharing eye makeup or contact lens solutions to reduce the risk of infections.
Regular Eye Exams
Scheduling regular eye exams with an eye specialist helps monitor your eye health and catch potential issues early. Eye exams can detect underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or eye infections that may contribute to broken blood vessels.
Regular check-ups allow your doctor to provide personalized advice and treatments to maintain optimal eye health.
Managing Allergies
If you suffer from allergies, managing them effectively can prevent eye irritation and reduce the risk of broken blood vessels. Use antihistamines or other allergy medications as recommended by your doctor.
Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons and using air purifiers can also help reduce allergens in your environment.
Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your eye health. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity.
These habits support overall health and help prevent conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that can affect your eyes.
Avoiding Eye Strain
Minimize activities that cause eye strain, such as prolonged screen time or reading in poor lighting. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Using artificial tears can also help keep your eyes moist and reduce strain.
Managing Stress
High stress levels can impact your blood pressure and overall health, potentially leading to broken blood vessels. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is also crucial for reducing stress and maintaining eye health.
Monitoring Health Conditions
If you have health conditions like hypertension or diabetes, closely monitor and manage them with the help of your healthcare provider. Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are key to keeping these conditions under control and protecting your eye health.
By following these prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of broken blood vessels in your eyes and maintain overall eye health.
Proactive measures and regular care play a vital role in protecting your vision and preventing future problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a broken blood vessel in the eye may seem alarming, it’s usually harmless and heals on its own. Taking simple steps like applying cold compresses, using lubricating eye drops, and avoiding rubbing can promote faster healing.
Remember to monitor your symptoms, seek medical attention if needed, and prioritize preventive measures like wearing protective eyewear and managing underlying health conditions for long-term eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People searched for questions related to broken blood vessel in the eye .
When Should I Worry About a Broken Blood Vessel in My Eye?
While a broken blood vessel in the eye is usually harmless and resolves on its own, seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain, vision changes, discharge, or if it occurs frequently.
What Causes Broken Blood Vessels in One Eye?
Several factors can cause broken blood vessels in one eye, including eye trauma, vigorous rubbing, sneezing, coughing, straining, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain medications.
How to Heal a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye?
To heal a broken blood vessel in the eye, apply a cold compress, use lubricating eye drops, avoid rubbing the eye, get adequate rest, stay hydrated, and manage underlying health conditions like high blood pressure.
Does a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye Indicate a Stroke?
A broken blood vessel in the eye typically does not indicate a stroke. However, if accompanied by other symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness, or speech difficulties, seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of a stroke.
Can Stress Cause a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye?
While stress itself may not directly cause a broken blood vessel in the eye, it can contribute to increased blood pressure, which may raise the risk. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help reduce this risk.
What Causes Blood Vessels to Burst?
Blood vessels can burst due to various reasons, including physical trauma, straining during activities like coughing or sneezing, high blood pressure, diabetes, eye rubbing, certain medications, and underlying health conditions affecting blood vessel integrity.
What Should You Avoid with a Broken Blood Vessel in Your Eye?
To promote healing and prevent complications, avoid rubbing your eyes, engaging in strenuous activities, wearing contact lenses, and exposing your eyes to irritants like smoke or dust. Additionally, limit screen time to reduce eye strain.
What Are the Causes of Recurring Broken Blood Vessel in Eye?
Recurring broken blood vessels in the eye may be caused by underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders. Eye trauma, frequent eye rubbing, or certain medications can also contribute to recurrent occurrences.
Consult a healthcare professional to identify and address the underlying cause.
Also Read:
Eye Flu Symptoms : Quicker Treatment and Relief
Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Madras Eye Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramesh Gaddam, M.D.
General Physician, Diabetologist, and Critical Care Specialist.
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