Scleral hemorrhage is when blood vessels in the eye burst, leaving red patches in the white of the eye. It can be caused by various factors and is usually painless. Treatment is limited to relieving discomfort, and a doctor should be consulted if bleeding occurs in both eyes or repeatedly.
A scleral hemorrhage occurs when small blood vessels in the eye burst, leaving patches of bright red blood in the white of the eye. Blood is trapped by the outermost layer of the eyeball, called the conjunctiva. Eventually, the blood will be absorbed into the eyeball and the red spot will fade. It is also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
While a scleral hemorrhage may be just a small red spot, it could also be a series of scattered red areas or even cause the entire white of the eye to turn red. Larger areas will take longer to heal, usually two to four weeks after the discoloration is first noticed. The condition is usually painless, but some people notice pressure in the eyeball or an itchy sensation on the surface of the conjunctiva.
Once the discoloration of the blood under the conjunctiva wears off, there are usually no lasting effects from the condition. If the bleeding persists, consult a healthcare professional to rule out blood pressure disorders that could be causing the red spots in the eyes. Some blood clotting disorders may be indicated by persistent broken blood vessels in the eye.
The causes of this type of bleeding are many. Straining to pass a bowel movement can cause pinprick rupture of the capillaries within the eyeball. Similarly, the pushing involved in childbirth can cause pressure to build up in the eyeballs, which can result in red spots. There have been reports of coughing and sneezing that have caused blood vessels in the eye to break. Choking is another pressure-related cause, and vomiting can also cause enough pressure to burst blood vessels.
Other causes of a scleral hemorrhage can be a head or rib cage injury, and a direct blow to the eye can cause bleeding under the conjunctiva. Deep sea divers have been known to experience bursting of blood vessels after a dive due to the pressure from the diving mask. Some people may experience symptoms from too much stress over a long period of time.
Treatment is limited to relieving the uncomfortable feeling that usually accompanies the condition. Daily application of moisturizing eye drops can relieve the sensation of itching and dryness of the eyeball. A doctor should be consulted if the bleeding occurs in both eyes at the same time or if it continues to occur repeatedly.
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