Blood vessels in the eye provide a mode of transport for oxygen and nutrients to the cells. If clotting or bleeding occurs in these blood vessels in the conjunctiva---the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball---the eye becomes red and has a dark circle around the outer edge of the iris. Some bleedings may also begin with a noticeable change in the vision. Bleeding in the eye can be induced either by injury, such as a blunt trauma to the eye, or due to illnesses, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs as a result of a broken blood capillary under the conjunctiva, according to Mayo Clinic. It is visible as a blood red patch in the white part of the eye. The patch, however, does not cause pain, a change in vision or discharge from the eye despite its conspicuous appearance. The only discomfort that this condition presents is a rough feeling on the surface of the eye, notes Mayo Clinic.
Hyphema
A hyphema is a bleeding into the space between the cornea and iris of the eye. It occurs when blood vessels in the iris burst and leak blood into the anterior chamber of the eye that contains a thin, clear, watery fluid known as aqueous humor. Most hyphema cases are due to blunt trauma. It also may be caused by intraocular surgery, lasers and freezing therapy. The occurrence of hyphema symptoms mainly depend on the extent of bleeding. Some common symptoms are blurred vision, iritis, pain and sensitivity to light, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, a diabetic eye disease, progressively weakens the retinal blood vessels, which eventually leads to blindness. The injured vessels can leak fluid into the retina, causing swelling that can blur the vision. This condition usually affects both eyes. The risk increases as a person gets older and has diabetes longer. According to the American Optometric Association, if left untreated, proliferative diabetic retinopathy can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. In most cases, it will leave only a few specks of blood, spots, threads or spider webs moving through your vision. Hemorrhages tend to happen more than once, often during sleep, states the National Eye Institute.
