The eye contains numerous blood vessels, from the front surface of the eye to the back of the eye. If these vessels have changes or sustain damage, eye bleeding may occur. Some causes may have noticeable effects, such as eye redness or vision changes. If symptoms appear suddenly and do not improve, an eye care professional should be consulted to determine the cause for the condition.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
The white part of the eye contains many small blood vessels just below the surface lining. If one of these vessels breaks, bleeding occurs, causing a red spot on the white of the eye, a condition called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Some people have only a small red spot, while other people may experience a significant area of redness. Subconjunctival hemorrhages often results from the pressure built up by sneezing or coughing, explains the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. However, some hemorrhages may appear without a known cause. Like a bruise on the skin, most subconjunctival hemorrhages will slowly improve over time. Doctors do not have a treatment for the eye bleeding, but if the bleed bulges or causes pain or vision changes, the patient should have an evaluation.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetics may experience eye problems as a result of their disease. In particular, a condition called diabetic retinopathy results when damage occurs in the blood vessels of the retina--the back, inside lining of the eye. In some people, the damaged blood vessels bleed, leaking fluid into the eye, says the National Eye Institute. The blood vessels may also bleed just under the retina, and since the retina plays a significant role in vision, this bleeding and swelling will likely cause changes in vision. People with diabetes should have routine examinations to monitor for new blood vessel growth. In between visits, if vision changes occur, a diabetic should contact an eye doctor for an evaluation. The doctor may recommend performing laser treatment to destroy new blood vessels, which will often reduce swelling and prevent further leakage.
Macular Degeneration
A portion of the retina controls the straight-ahead vision used for reading and performing daily tasks. This area, the macula, may break down over time, causing changes in central vision, a condition called macular degeneration. Some people with this condition have bleeding behind the macula, causing the macula to swell and lift away from the back of the eye. In such cases, vision will decrease dramatically. If central vision changes, the sufferer should contact an eye doctor immediately, since prompt treatment may reduce the vision loss, says MayoClinic.com. Treatment options include laser treatment, light therapy or medication injections into the eye.
