Initially, a bleeding eye appears completely red, like the surface of a tomato, according to Dr. Witsberger. This is because a pool of blood has collected right underneath the clear layer of the eye. However, like a bruise, the color of a bleeding eye evolves over time.
Color Progression of a Bleeding Eye
The bleeding eye's color changes as the blood is reabsorbed by the body. This color progression typically follows this sequence:
| Stage | Color |
|---|---|
| Initial | Red |
| Next | Purple |
| Intermediate | Green |
| Final | Yellow |
Understanding the Color Changes
- Red: The initial red color is due to fresh blood pooling under the conjunctiva.
- Purple: As the blood starts to break down, the color shifts to purple.
- Green: As the hemoglobin continues to degrade, the color can transition to a greenish hue.
- Yellow: The final stage often involves a yellowish color as the blood products are fully broken down and absorbed.
This entire process can take days or weeks, depending on the severity of the bleeding. So, while it starts red, a bleeding eye will change color throughout the healing process.
