Blood vessels in the eye supply the tissue with needed oxygen and nutrients. Eye blood vessels occasionally break, causing bleeding. The appearance of a broken eye blood vessel often causes alarm. Bleeding in the white area of the eye, or a subconjunctival hemorrhage, typically resolves without consequence. Bleeding between the clear area at the front of the eye and the colored iris is a more serious problem, known as a hyphema.
Increased Blood Vessel Pressure
A momentary increase in pressure within the tiny blood vessels of the eye surface can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which appears as a bright red spot on the white of the eye. Increased pressure in the eye blood vessels can transpire with everyday occurrences, such as rigorous coughing, sneezing, vomiting or straining to lift a heavy object, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology on the patient information website eyeSmart. High blood pressure can also sometimes lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This type of eye bleeding is painless and gradually clears over one to two weeks, according to the Academy.
Abnormal Blood Clotting
Patients with a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia, and those on blood thinners may develop subconjunctival hemorrhages, explains the eye health information website All About Vision. Patients with a marked vitamin K deficiency can also develop a blood clotting impairment, which may lead to a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Trauma
A blow to the eye can cause a broken eye blood vessel and the development of a hyphema. The bleeding typically obscures part of the colored iris; a large bleed may obstruct vision. A hyphema, or anterior chamber hemorrhage, often rebleeds and may stain the normally clear cornea in front of the iris. Patients with a hyphema may develop increased pressure within the eye. The elevated pressure may threaten vision and requires urgent treatment, notes "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals."
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a form of eye cancer, which typically presents in infants and young children. Hyphema is a common presenting sign of retinoblastoma, reports the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Notably, in approximately 30 to 40 percent of cases, retinoblastoma affects both eyes.
Eye Infection
A severe internal eye infection may lead to a broken eye blood vessel and an anterior chamber hemorrhage, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye pain and light sensitivity characteristically accompany a hyphema.
Artificial Lens Complication
Patients with vision-impairing cataracts usually undergo surgery to remove the clouded eye lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant. Uncommonly, complications develop with the artificial lens, which may lead to an anterior chamber hemorrhage. Surgical correction may prove necessary in these cases.
References
- eyeSmart: Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
- All About Vision: Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Eye Injuries, Contusions and Lacerations, Anterior Chamber Hemorrhage
- The University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences: Retinoblastoma
- MedlinePlus: Hyphema
