Many blood vessels crisscross the eye, allowing blood to flow from the front, white part of the eye to the back of the eye. If any of these blood vessels break or bleed abnormally, it is known as a hemorrhage. Some hemorrhages require prompt attention from an eye doctor to protect the eye's health. People should know the causes of hemorrhage and what to do if one occurs.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
The visible, white of the eye, called the conjunctiva, has many blood vessels. Occasionally a blood vessel may break, causing a bright red area to appear. This hemorrhage, called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, may result from a known factor, such as a period of heavy coughing or sneezing. However, some people wake in the morning with a red spot on an eye. These hemorrhages do not require treatment, and the spot should dissipate in a week or two, says the Mayo Clinic. Even though subconjunctival hemorrhages do not usually need treatment, if the bleeding causes a raised bulge in the white of the eye or if the bleeding enters into the chamber holding the iris, the colored part of the eye, an eye doctor should be contacted immediately for an evaluation.
Diabetic Retinopathy
People with diabetes have a greater risk for eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy. This type of hemorrhage results when new blood vessels grow abnormally on the retina, the inner lining of the back chamber of the eye. These new vessels do not function properly and often burst, causing a bleed. In some people the bleeding occurs in the macula, an area on the retina responsible for clear central vision, and this will result in decreased vision, says MedlinePlus. Bleeding may also occur in other areas of the retina, or the hemorrhage may leak into the inner eye. If the hemorrhage leaks into the eye, the person will likely see a number of new floaters or black spots in his or her vision. In severe bleeds, the floaters may block out a significant portion of vision. Doctors often treat diabetic retinopathy with a laser, which they use to stop the leaking vessels and prevent new vessels from growing in the surrounding area.
Macular Degeneration
Some people have hemorrhages on the macula, caused from wet macular degeneration. New, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and may hemorrhage, lifting the macula out of position, explains the National Eye Institute. A person with these changes will likely have a sudden, significant decrease in central vision, and will notice that objects with straight lines, such telephone poles, appear bent or crooked. These vision changes require prompt treatment. Some people do not have a return of vision after treatment. However, other people who receive treatment quickly may experience full or partial vision recovery. Treatment may include laser treatments or light therapy.
