Broken Blood Vessels In The Eye: Causes, Treatment, and Resources

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What causes burst blood vessels in the eye?

The condition resulting from burst blood vessels in the eye is known as subconjuctival hemorrhage. It is commonly referred to as red eye. Although it may be appear shocking to the viewer, the condition is generally not cause for concern. What does a subconjuctival hemorrhage look like? Subconjuctival hemorrhage is seen as a red patch in the eye. This may be a single large or small spot, or occasionally a few splotches together. It appears visibly on the white of the eye or sclera, though it is a situation where the blood vessels have burst under the surface or conjunctiva of the eye.

The conjunctiva contains many blood vessels and tiny blood capillaries. When the blood vessels in this area burst, the blood is trapped and gathers underneath the surface of the eye. Between the conjunctiva and the sclera a pool of blood results which is noticed as a red eye. The burst blood vessels allow the outflow of blood under the outer membrane of the eye, thus what is being seen is the redness of minor bleeding.

What Causes Blood Vessels to Burst

Generally subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs as a result of a sudden increase in blood pressure which creates a pressure in the veins. Blood is then released by the bursting or rupturing of blood vessels or blood capillaries. This may happen without injury or through an action as innocuous as rubbing the eye, albeit too vigorously. An eye trauma as mild as this, or an eye trauma of greater magnitude, may cause inner bleeding.

Cause 1: Blood vessels bursting in the eyes are often caused by an action such as sneezing or coughing with force. Strenuous activity including heavy lifting may bring about the hemorrhage through increased pressure following exertion. The strain of vomiting can likewise result in subconjuctival hemorrhage.

Cause 2: Prolonged times of stress and hypertension can be a cause. Excessive weight lifting which increases the level of pressure in the head area can have an effect on the eyes and result in ruptured vessels.

Cause 3: An eye infection such as conjunctivitis may be a reason for blood vessels bursting in the eye as the infection weakens the walls of the blood vessels. Eye surgery or surgery to the eyelid may also affect the veins and thus result in hemorrhaging.

Cause 4: High blood pressure and the intake of blood thinning medication, for example, warfarin, may contribute to burst blood vessels, as well as any medication that affects the blood system. High dosages of aspirin may also have the above effect.

Cause 5: Although it is less common the condition may arise from diabetes. Rare blood clotting or systemic disorders are far less frequent causes.

Treatments of Broken Blood Vessels

Usually the cause is not connected to something serious. No treatment is necessary and the redness disappears within a week to two weeks. It is considered to be a harmless temporary condition, unless otherwise indicated. Doctors are generally able to check by looking into the eye. Sometimes subconjunctival hemorraghing may create a feeling of mild irritation or scratchiness in the eye. This is treatable by over-the-counter drops that the doctor might suggest.

Blood pressure checks are usually recommended as a precaution. Blood tests are carried out only if a serious condition is suspected.

The condition does not present any change in vision. The occurrence is often spontaneous and the person might not even be immediately aware that it has taken place. Only by looking in the mirror or by someone else noticing is it recognized as having happened.

Spider Veins

Spider veins on the face and legs may look like smaller varicose veins. The medical term for these broken capillaries referred to as spider veins is telangiectasia. Most commonly found on the surface of the thighs, calves and ankles, they appear as tiny capillaries with a thread-like blue or red tinge. They are sometimes described as squiggles.

Treatment of Spider Veins

Spider veins are often removed for cosmetic reasons, but there are also instances where spider veins cause aching, itching and cramps. The two main removal methods are laser and sclerotherapy, although the latter is not used on pregnant or nursing mothers. Laser is used on the face, either on its own or sometimes in combination with electric needle therapy. Without needles it is used to get rid of small spider veins. An intense light is directed at the veins for permanent removal.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are found on the legs only, predominantly on the calves and inside of the leg. As pressure builds up in the veins due to excess pressure either caused by too much standing or by pregnancy, the valves and vein walls are affected. Derived from the Latin word ‘varix’ meaning twisted, varicose veins appear as blue or purplish enlarged veins protruding from the legs. They are not only a cosmetic consideration but can cause considerable pain and discomfort.

Treatment of Spider Veins and Vericose Veins

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment for removing spider veins and varicose veins. Small needles are inserted into the veins to cause them to collapse. Once this occurs they cannot be seen. For maximum benefit a few sessions of sclerotherapy is required.

Further treatments for the removal of varicose veins include EVLT (Endocenous laser treatment), VNUS (Radiofrequency occlusion), laser and pulsed light treatments, ambulatory phlebectomy, TIPP (Transilluminated phlebectomy), vein litigation and vein stripping.

Home care for the prevention and treatment of spider and varicose veins comprises compression stockings, as well as certain lifestyle changes. These involve diet, to avoid the pressure caused by overweight, exercise, reduction of standing and elevating the affected leg.

Alternative Treatment of Spider Veins and Vericose Veins

Some people seek alternative treatments, such as the use of horse chestnut seed extract.

Broken blood vessels in the eye, when no underlying problem is detected, involves waiting for the effects of the hemorraghing to disappear. In the case of spider veins or varicose veins requiring treatment, it is essential to consult a vein treatment specialist.

Can you break blood vessels around the eye when vomiting?

Vomiting is the forceful release of food from the stomach. The stomach goes through a heaving motion and the action is such that it is as though it almost turns itself upside down. There is tremendous intrathoracic pressure during the act of vomiting. Usually there are certain mechanisms in place during the digestive process that keep the food in the stomach. Saliva is secreted normally and digestive juices are released appropriately. When the body seeks to reject the food intake the process is sabotaged. Excess saliva is secreted and nausea sets in. This is followed by the pressure that moves the stomach into the lower part of the esophagus, expelling the food contents.

Exacerbated by the high pressure instigated by the force of vomiting, blood vessels around the eye become distended and may spontaneously burst or rupture. This creates an inner bleeding or hemorrhaging in the eye area.

Blood vessels of the eye, unable to withstand the pressure created by the heightened blood pressure, burst to allow a release of blood. In this case the strain and pressure of a severe act of vomiting can precipitate subconjunctival hemorrhaging. The act of dry heaving has the potential to create the same effect.

If the rupture in the eye caused by vomiting looks excessive it is best to consult an ophthamologist. There are situations when broken blood vessels caused by vomiting may need further follow-up. Repetitive vomiting as a result of an eating disorder such as bulimia requires investigation. The constant strain and pressure caused to the veins around the eye presents an aspect of physiological risk. Vomiting connected with migraine and the associated head and eye pressure may cause breakage of blood vessels. Induced vomiting by the use of drugs and vomiting caused by drugs may also create a vulnerability towards increased blood pressure causing subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Resources about Blood Vessels

Tubular CirculationIn a general sense, a vessel is defined as a hollow utensil for carrying something: a cup, a bucket, a tube. Blood vessels, then, are hollow utensils for carrying blood.

Pictures of Blood Vessels

Color images of different types of blood vessels from around the body

Structure of a blood vessel with a visual representation of a cross section of a blood vessel.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE STUDY SHOWS LAUGHTER HELPS BLOOD VESSELS FUNCTION BETTER

Columbia University skin and laser center

Rosacea is a skin disorder, usually around the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin, characterized by a flushed appearance; small, hard pimples; and broken blood vessels.

Net Wellness Broken blood vessels in the eye

Resource by Thrive Med Spa

Thrive Med Spa is a leading medical spa in Chicago that is privately owned and operated by Dr. Barry Summers, a Board Certified General & Cosmetic Surgeon. Thrive Medical Spa, has two convenient downtown locations in Lakeview and the Gold Coast. Thrive is the leading medical spa and rejuvenation center in Chicago ( and Thrive Laser Training School) and is dedicated to providing clients with the highest quality of care and state of the art treatments for cosmetic and skin rejuvenation .

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