Small blood vessels under the surface of the eye can break, creating a condition known as subconjunctival hemorrhage. Because the surface of the eye can't absorb blood quickly, the blood becomes trapped and disperses under the area. While it may look like a traumatic injury, most often the hemorrhage occurs as a result of minor, barely noticeable events such as sneezing, but it can also occur due to conjunctivitis or trauma to the head. Chiro.org states that subconjunctival hemorrhages usually clear up on their own in 10 to 15 days.
Sneezing
Sneezing occurs when the mucous membranes of the nose or throat are irritated. This can cause broken blood vessels in the eye if the sneeze is particularly violent, according to MayoClinic.com. Sneezing is usually not a serious medical condition, and over-the counter-medications such as allergy medicines may lessen conditions that lead to sneezing, advises MedlinePlus.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, a sometimes highly contagious inflammation or infection of the surface of the eye, may affect both children and adults. Commonly called pinkeye, the irritation may break blood vessels in the eyes, particularly if the sufferer rubs at the eyes, reports the Columbia University Medical Center website. Conjunctivitis is caused by allergies and irritation, as well as common bacterial and viral infections. According to the American Optometric Association, newborns infected with conjunctivitis need immediate medical attention in case they were infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea during birth.
Trauma
MedlinePlus states that millions of people each year sustain head trauma, including concussions and minor hemorrhages. Head injuries can break blood vessels in the eye either from direct trauma to the eye area or from the force of an injury elsewhere on the head, according to Cincinnati Children's Medical Center. Severity of head trauma may range from minor jolts to critical brain injury. Chiro.org reports that specific medications are not required, but apply cold packs to the eye initially, followed by warm compresses during later stages of healing.
