Eye bleeding, often appearing as a red patch in the white of your eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage), is usually caused by a broken blood vessel. This is often harmless and resolves on its own. However, several factors can contribute to this:
Causes of Eye Bleeding
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Broken Blood Vessels: The most common cause is a tiny blood vessel bursting just under the surface of the eye. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
- Minor Eye Injury: A scratch, rub, or accidental poke can break a blood vessel.
- High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure can weaken blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture.
- Forceful Actions: Sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or straining can increase pressure and cause a vessel to break.
- Eye Infections: Infections can inflame and weaken blood vessels.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Bleeding Disorders: Conditions affecting blood clotting increase the likelihood of bleeding, including in the eye.
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Hyphema: This is a more serious type of eye bleeding where blood accumulates in the front part of the eye (anterior chamber). It's often caused by trauma but can also be linked to other conditions. Hyphema requires immediate medical attention.
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Diabetic Retinopathy: In advanced stages of this diabetic complication, blood vessels in the retina can bleed, leading to vision impairment.
Identifying the Type of Eye Bleeding
It's crucial to distinguish between a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage (blood in the white of the eye) and a hyphema (blood in the colored part of the eye). Subconjunctival hemorrhages are typically harmless and self-limiting, whereas hyphema is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional medical care.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of eye bleeding are benign, seek immediate medical attention if:
- You experience severe pain.
- Vision is impaired.
- Bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness.
- The bleeding is in the colored part of your eye (hyphema).
- You suspect a serious eye injury.
Remember, this information is for general knowledge and doesn't replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor or ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment of any eye problem.
