A broken blood vessel in the eye, also called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, will result in a bright red area on the white of the eye. The broken blood vessel should not cause significant pain, and the redness improves within a few days or weeks, much like a bruise. A person should know some of the common causes of a broken blood vessel in the eye, particularly if hemorrhages occur frequently.
Pressure Changes
Broken blood vessels in the eye often result from a building pressure in the eye, such as with fits of coughing or sneezing, explains MedlinePlus. Lifting heavy objects or the pressure from vomiting also may increase the likelihood of blood vessel breakage. Even though a person understands that a subconjunctival hemorrhage may occur under these circumstances, she has no way to prevent a broken blood vessel from these conditions. If frequent hemorrhages occur, he should discuss this with an eye doctor to determine if he has underlying causes, such as high blood pressure.
Trauma
In some people, simply rubbing the eyelid may result in a subconjunctival hemorrhage, explains the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University. This may occur more often in people who take blood thinners. In addition to the minor trauma of eye rubbing, significant trauma may also cause broken blood vessels, such as a blow to the eye or the surrounding area. Trauma to the eye that results in redness may not indicate severe damage. However, if a person with a hemorrhage also notices that the area bulges out or if she has blood in the chamber in front of the iris, the colored part of the eye, she should contact an eye doctor immediately.
Unknown Causes
Quite often people who experience a broken blood vessel in the eye will know exactly how the hemorrhage occurred. In some cases, however, a person may simply wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and notice the red area, explains MayoClinic.com. Do not worry about hemorrhages without a known cause, unless they occur frequently. If they do, discuss it with a family doctor or with an eye doctor.
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