How to spot a red spot in your eye
Although it can be alarming to see a red spot in your whites, it is probably not as severe.
One or more of the tiny blood vessels within your eye may have broken and leaked. This is called subconjunctival bleeding. This can occur after a sudden cough or a sneezing fit.
You won’t feel anything, despite what it may seem. It is often harmless and resolves without any treatment.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes and signs of red spots around the eyes.
What causes red eyes?
Anyone can get red spots around the eyes, regardless of age. Because the blood vessels in the eyes are delicate and easy to break, red bumps can occur at any age. These are the reasons why you may have red spots on your whites.
An increase in blood pressure
Anything that causes strain can temporarily increase your blood pressure and cause some damage to your eyes. These activities include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- vomiting
- Move your bowels
- Childbirth
- Heavy lifting
Red spots around the eyes are caused by high blood pressure.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a rare cause of red eyes. It is the most common, trusted source cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.
This condition can cause retinal blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or bleed. You may experience blurry vision and floaters.
You should have a comprehensive dilated eyes exam yearly if you have diabetes. Or as recommended by your doctor.
Eye injury
Injuries to the eye can result in bleeding. Broken capillaries or red spots can occur even from mild trauma, like when you rub your eyes too hard.
Protective eyewear is a smart idea for sports or works that involve flying debris or objects.
Contact lens problem
Even a tiny bit of dust caught behind your contact lenses can cause severe irritation. This is even more true if you rub your eyes.
If you feel anything in your eye, remove the contact lens and thoroughly clean it. Contact lenses should be worn at most of your eye doctor prescribes. If necessary, you will need to replace them.
Sunglasses are a good choice for outdoor activities to protect your eyes from the sun and dirt. Ensure you have the proper eye protection for sports or other activities that can cause damage to your eyes.
Blood thinner medication
Some medications can thin the blood, which makes it easier to bleed. This could be true if you use aspirin excessively or take interferons.
Other blood thinners are:
- apixaban (Eliquis)
- dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- Heparin
- rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Blood clotting disorders
Although it’s rare, having a blood disorder like hemophilia and von Willebrand diseases can increase the possibility of subconjunctival bleeding.
Hyphema
Hyphema does not cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Although they look very similar, Hyphema can cause additional symptoms such as light sensitivity and pain.
A tear to the pupil or iris can cause Hyphema, which is usually caused by an injury. The pupil and iris can be covered by blood if there is a pool of blood in the front of your eye.
This can cause vision problems. If left untreated, it could permanently damage your vision.
Don’t gamble if you aren’t sure if you have subconjunctival bleeding or Hyphema. See your doctor right away.
How can you diagnose a red spot in your eye?
Your doctor can diagnose subconjunctival hemorrhage just by looking at it. You may need an eye exam if you experience more severe symptoms.
Any underlying conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, should be evaluated by your doctor.
Your doctor might recommend checking your eye pressure or conducting a CT scanner to determine if you have Hyphema.
