Your eye may be watering blood, a condition known as hemolacria, most commonly due to bleeding from the eye, often not directly from the tear glands. The blood typically comes from other areas of the eye, most frequently the inner eyelid.
Causes of Bloody Tears
While the condition of blood-stained tears, or hemolacria, may seem alarming, it's not always a sign of severe illness. The primary reason for blood in your tears is often direct bleeding from a cut or abrasion in the inner eyelid.
Common Causes of Hemolacria:
- Minor injuries:
- Cuts or abrasions on the inner eyelid: As the reference states, this is the most common cause. The delicate tissue of the inner eyelid can be easily injured, leading to bleeding that mixes with tears.
- Other Eye-Related Issues:
- Conjunctival Laceration: A cut on the surface of the eye.
- Eye infections or inflammation: Infections can cause inflammation and some bleeding.
- Eye tumors: These are rare but possible, resulting in bloody tears.
- Bleeding from another part of the eye: Blood from other areas of the eye can mix with tears, presenting as blood-stained tears.
Less Common Causes of Hemolacria:
It is important to note that while hemolacria can occur from the tear glands themselves, this is very rare.
What To Do If You Have Bloody Tears:
- Assess the situation: Consider whether you have recently injured your eye or if there is something irritating it.
- Check your inner eyelid: If possible, gently look at the inner eyelid for any signs of cuts or abrasion.
- Consult a doctor: If the bloody tears persist, or if you have other symptoms like pain, vision changes, or if you can't identify the cause, it's important to see an eye care professional promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Summary
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Inner eyelid injury | Cuts or abrasions on the inner eyelid |
| Eye surface injury | Conjunctival lacerations |
| Infections/inflammation | Can cause inflammation and some bleeding |
| Eye tumors | Rare, but can cause bloody tears |
While seeing blood in your tears can be concerning, it's often due to a relatively simple cause such as a cut or abrasion on the inner eyelid. In any case, a healthcare professional can help diagnose and treat the underlying issue.
