Getting blood in your eye isn't necessarily bad. Often, it's a sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, where a tiny blood vessel breaks under the clear surface of your eye. This is usually harmless and often resolves on its own within a week or two. Even a simple sneeze or cough can cause this. Treatment isn't typically needed.
However, blood in the eye can also indicate more serious conditions. It's crucial to differentiate between a subconjunctival hemorrhage and other issues.
Types of Eye Bleeding
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This is the most common type, appearing as a red spot on the white of your eye. It's typically painless and doesn't affect vision. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, "[A subconjunctival hemorrhage] often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye." The Cleveland Clinic further emphasizes that it's "a rather minor condition."
- Hyphema: This involves bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye, the area behind the cornea and in front of the iris and lens. This is a more serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hyphema "causes bleeding into the anterior chamber of your eye." This differs significantly from a subconjunctival hemorrhage where the bleeding is underneath the conjunctiva.
- Bleeding Related to other Eye Conditions: Blood in the eye can also be a symptom of underlying conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the retina are affected. The National Eye Institute highlights diabetic retinopathy's potential to cause vision loss and blindness due to its effect on retinal blood vessels.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a subconjunctival hemorrhage is usually harmless, you should consult a doctor if:
- You experience pain in your eye.
- Your vision changes.
- The blood covers the pupil (the black part of your eye).
- You have any concerns about the bleeding.
The Alberta Health Services advises seeking attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Summary
Blood in the eye can range from a minor, self-resolving issue (subconjunctival hemorrhage) to a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention (hyphema or bleeding associated with other eye diseases). Always consult a doctor if you have any concerns about bleeding in your eye.
