What Are the Treatment Options for a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye?
Treatment options for broken blood vessels in the eyes include using eye drops, such as artificial tears, to soothe a scratchy feeling on the surface of the eye, according to Mayo Clinic. Although no further treatment is required, regular blood pressure checks are recommended, notes the National Institutes of Health.
A broken blood vessel in the eye or subconjunctival hemorrhage presents as a bright red patch on the white of the eye and causes no change in vision, pain or discharge, according to WebMD. This condition is not normally a cause for concern and symptoms typically clear within two to three weeks.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage may be caused by coughing, sneezing, heavy lifting, vomiting, rubbing of the eye, infection or trauma to the eye, although at times there is no clear cause, says Mayo Clinic. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin and aspirin, and blood-clotting disorders.
Although there are typically no complications, in rare cases a subconjunctival hemorrhage may indicate the presence of a serious vascular disorder in elderly people. If the condition results from trauma, a medical examination is recommended to ensure the absence of other eye complications or injury, notes Mayo Clinic.
