Broken blood vessels around the white of the eye cause a bright red patch, called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The red area should not cause pain or vision changes. The hemorrhages act much like a bruise on the skin, and they will gradually clear within a few days or a week. Though a person cannot prevent a broken blood vessel, it may help to know the causes for a hemorrhage, particularly if the occur frequently.
Pressure
A fit of heavy coughing, vomiting or sneezing may cause broken blood vessels in the white of the eye. This results from the sudden, building pressure in the vessels, explains MedlinePlus. Some people with high blood pressure may have a higher risk for subconjunctival hemorrhages. If frequent hemorrhages occur, the person should discuss this with her family doctor or eye doctor. The doctor will check her blood pressure and discuss a regimen to bring it down if necessary.
Injury
An injury to the eye may also cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage, says the Columbia University Medical Center. For example, a blow to the eye will cause vessels to burst. As well, a small foreign body may penetrate the surface of the eye just enough to break a blood vessel. Even the simple action of rubbing the eye may cause a hemorrhage. During sports and other activities, such as paintball, a person should always wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries that cause subconjunctival hemorrhages, which may also prevent injuries that cause severe damage to the eye and vision.
Unknown Causes
For some people, a subconjunctival hemorrhage may appear on the eye without any known cause, says MayoClinic.com. Commonly, people will first notice the broken blood vessels when they look in the mirror, having done nothing more than walked across the room. An unknown cause for a hemorrhage does not indicate a problem or harm to the eye.
